A/N: Wow. It's a world record, I've updated within two months of my last new part! *dances with joy* This is my longest part to date and when I say longest I mean looooongest. My word processor informs me that I've hit the 60 page marker. So make sure you have someone to deliver food to your computer, maybe grab a pillow so that when you nod off your head hits something softer than your desk and who knows, you might want to give a heads up to your loved ones so they don't send out a search party before you emerge two days later. I am aware that I could have made this two parts (It probably should be!) but every time I went to split it, something didn't feel right. Anyways, before this becomes my longest note ever, I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciated your reviews on my last part, here are some shout-outs:

(to my new reviewers)

Angelic Kitsune: Thank you so much for all your beaming reviews, jealous Naru in this part is dedicated to you!

Killbethy: You requested a bit more Lin, which made me realize that the poor man (can I call Lin that? XD) had sort of fallen into the background with all this love stuff going around, so I hope you enjoy the Lin cameos I stuck in.

Corwinator: I'm not sure what your suspicions are, but I hope your happy with this update, thank you for your warm review!

(to my returning reviewers)

You all know who are (wink, wink) I wish you could see the smile that you all put on my face when I read your reviews, thank you all so much! It is so motivating knowing they you all are waiting for the next part, enjoying reading this as much as I do writing it. You guys are the push that keeps me going! I know I've made you all wait ages (something like two or three parts?) to finally get to this festival chapter, so I really, really hope it lives up to the anticipation! It was definitely my most favorite to write so far (hence the quick update?) and I hope that shines through. Thanks again you guys, I'll be awaiting your reactions!

Day Four

8:00pm

The Koku Inn

"So, where have you been?"

The words rang in Mai's ears.

Why now?

The question was so typical of Naru that for a moment Mai felt a flash of anger rise to her cheeks. Beside her Bou-san made a slight adjustment in his seat and then spoke with the confidence (let alone calmness) Mai didn't posses at the moment.

"Out for a walk."

Mai stole at look at the monk. Amazingly his expression remained unflinching even despite the glare Naru now directed at him.

"To the theater?"

"Perhaps we walked past it..."

A certain tension settled between Naru and the monk. The silence would have been unbearable had Ayako not cried out in protest,

"For a walk? We're all starving in here and you choose to go out for a leisurely stroll?"

The monk matched the priestess's glare,

"Remind me not to come between you and your hunger."

Seated safely away from Ayako, Bou-san did not have to feel the repercussions of this remark, but the miko's eyes glinted with the revenge she planned on taking later.

"A walk, eh? That's sounds refreshing actually. I'm sure Masako and I would have liked to have joined you," Mr. Sachi put in with an affectionate glance at the medium and then a wounded one towards the monk.

Sitting next to her, John gave Mai an imploring look, which seemed to say that he too would have joined them on their walk. Mai struggled to swallow a frown, guilt stabbing at her. She gone off gallivanting with Bou-san, and had left John to face the dining room alone.

Mai's hands fidgeted, longing to seek refuge in a nice hot cup of tea, but the food hadn't arrived yet. As her gaze rose from the table, Mai locked eyes with Masako. The medium's pale lips, pursed a moment before relaxing into a slight smile. Mai braced herself for what was to come next.

"Did you enjoy your walk?"

That Masako.

Mai felt Naru's gaze boring into her once more. Underneath the table, Bou-san's foot bumped against hers. Mai, attempting to restrain her glare at the medium, offered up a brittle smile,

"It was fine."

Masako continued unperturbed,

"I trust my kimono kept you warm?"

Mai's smile faltered for moment, but then she recovered-

"Certainly more than that piece of tissue is doing for you."

A bit of color entered the medium's cheeks,

"It's tulle, actually. And perhaps... but, I'm not worried. I'll find a way keep warm," she answered vaguely, her gaze drifting over to Naru.

Mai's own cheeks began to burn, but she managed to check her anger as her stare fell on Mr. Sachi,

"Surely," she agreed, sending a knowing look to the playwright.

The medium snapped her attention back to Mai, barely managing to keep her expression neutral at the implication. Mai, not bothering to contain her triumphant smile, was shaken in the next moment by an approaching waiter. Instead of carrying delicious food and long awaited tea, he brought with him a single lily and slightly sheepish expression. His arrival at their table brought silence.

"Compliments of the gentleman at table twelve," he announced.

A rush of heat crept up Mai's neck.

Not for me...please, not for me...

Across the table from her, Masako broke her intense glare away from her rival to blink up innocently at the uncomfortable waiter.

That Masako.

A small smile grew on Ayako's red lips, discreetly she mouthed, Niko in Mai's direction. A second heat wave flushed Mai's cheeks and vengefully she sought out the priestess's foot. The young man cast a look over his shoulder, as if to get conformation from the mysterious gentleman as to which woman should receive this token of admiration, and then with a slight nod, faced them all once more and extended the lily...

Mai watched his hand move forward almost as if in slow motion, past Lin- it was going near Masako now...the medium's wrist was on the rise, ready to modestly cover her mouth- but it went on (and the medium's wrist fell limply), moving by Naru who (Mai noted) looked especially deadly tonight, his sharp eyes staring at the lily as though his gaze could obliterate the flower somehow.

Mai swallowed. The progress of the lily was approaching her and now more than ever she wished she had a cup of tea to escape in. Those five seconds of suspense ticked by painfully- but then, with great relief, Mai saw that his hand wasn't going to stop at her, but continued across the table to rest finally at: Ayako.

"For you ma'am," the waiter said, offering the priestess a self conscious smile.

Ayako returned this smile with one that seemed to say such flattering attentions were paid to her all the time, but Mai could see the surprise in her eyes.

"May I inquire the gentleman's name?" she asked, holding the lily up to her nose, enjoying the perfume it gave off.

The waiter shifted where he stood, looking as if he wished to glance behind himself, perhaps at table twelve, but merely answered with,

"My instructions were only to deliver the lily, that is all."

"Hmm," Ayako murmured and then setting down the lily she stood, "I will ask him, myself."

The waiter looked as if he wanted to protest, but then upon seeing the determination in the miko's eyes, shrugged and stepped aside. He had done what he was ordered to do, it was out of his hands.

With their view no longer obstructed, everyone peered across the emptying dinging room towards mysterious table number twelve, Bou-san going so far as to stand up for a better look. The monk sat down in the next moment, a strange look on his face, something almost like an amused smile. He seemed almost satisfied. Studying him closer, Mai almost could call it relieved. Most of the table returned their attention back to themselves. Ayako remained standing.

"Is this your idea of a joke?"

The waiter winced at the biting question and then looked hard at the empty table twelve as though pure will could bring the gentleman back.

"He was there a minute ago. It appears he has left, perhaps for the festival? It starts soon you know," he explained, and then desiring to have this uncomfortable conversation no longer, bowed and excused himself.

Mai watched Ayako uncertainly as the priestess returned to her seat. But her alarm was uncalled for as a small smile came to the woman's mouth, her hands taking up the lily,

"I believe this counts as my first lily of the night, Mr. Sachi?" Ayako asked and not particularly interested in the playwright's answer she went on, "I don't believe either of you have received one?"

With her smug smile, clearly the miko expected the reply to be no, but Mai was able to match her in numbers as well as in smile,

"I received my first lily before dinner."

"You did?" Mr. Sachi cut in surprised, but no one paid him any heed.

The miko paused in stroking the steam of her lily to raise a disbelieving eyebrow,

"Right. Sure you did."

Mai sat straighter in her seat, her cheeks tinting red,

"I did."

Never mind that it was a completely platonic gift, given by John...

Ayako sat back in her chair, looking into the lily given to her,

"Oh really? Where is it?"

Mai opened her mouth to announce something along the lines of right here, but then blinked as she realized it wasn't right here. It was somewhere else...but where? Mai glanced at John who was watching her with an odd expression, something caught between encouraging and discouraging. His smile was bright enough, but his eyes silently pleaded with her not to reveal it. Mai gave him a quick half smile and returned her attention to the miko.

Just great. I lost John's lily and now I look like a liar...

"Well?" Ayako persisted; her expression growing more triumphant with every second Mai remained silent.

Pointedly ignoring the priestess' smugness, Mai's mentally retraced her steps.

Did I leave it at the theater?

No.

The garden. I left it on the bench! I could go out and get it, but John-

Mai smiled to herself,

"It's in my room, I left it there before Bou-san and I took our walk."

Beside her John relaxed a bit, Mai couldn't help noticing him glance at Masako. Mai blinked with confusion, but before she could put anymore thought into it, Ayakobegan again.

"Fine, but then who gave it to you?"

If Mai could have found the woman's foot, she would have stepped on it promptly, but there were simply too many feet under that table, and the risk of brushing up against Naru...Mai's cheeks tinged pink.

Naru. He had slipped her mind. It was a dangerous mistake. She could only imagine what brooding stare he had been giving her all this time...but when she chanced a small glance his way, she found he wasn't looking at her at all, but gazing off distantly.

With Ayako's last question burning her ears, Mai was prepared to refuse to answer, but was saved by something even better: food.

"Here we are," Niko announced, setting down a large circular tray in the middle of their table, "The finest festival food you'll ever eat."

"He speaks the truth," Mr. Sachi agreed, helping himself to a bowl of steaming rice.

With relief Mai pretended to be absorbed in dishing up, eager to get a bite in her mouth and have an excuse to not talk at all. A second waiter followed up Niko with a tray full of tea. The hot cup of amber liquid set in front of Mai was the icing on the cake and for the first time that night she felt content with her mouth full and a cup of tea to warm her hands. Mai wasn't the only one pleased at the arrival of food, beside her Bou-san filled a bowl with enough for three people, earning him a disgusted look from Ayako as he stole a dumpling she was reaching for.

"Don't you love all this sharing? A bit romantic, isn't it?" Mr. Sachi remarked a few moments later as he happily offered Masako the last rice ball (which she promptly declined).

"Oh, very,"Ayako murmured dryly, watching the monk down the table from her shovel in bite after bite.

"Well, I hope you all enjoy," Niko said after seeing them all with bowls filled, "I must be getting ready for the festival, but I'll...join you later," he announced, speaking the last part towards Mai with a slight hopeful smile.

Mai, currently mid-sip, looked up at him and nodded. Expecting a departing bow, his next words nearly caused her to choke on her tea.

"Oh, I was going to ask you-" he took a step closer to her chair, his voice somewhat lowered.

Mai swallowed her tea in a gulp. The pink rising in Niko's cheeks as he drew near didn't bode well. Tensing- she could almost read the words will you marry me? in his eyes- Mai's hand reached for Bou-san's arm. The sharp grating sound of a chair being slid across wood was heard in the next moment. Mai was temporarily released from her panic, her attention suddenly absorbed in the fact that Naru was now standing.

"Mr. Koku, could I have a word with you alone."

This was not a question, it was a command, and the low tone it was spoken in sent a shiver down Mai's back.

What is Naru doing?

Beside her, Bou-san was attempting to extract his arm from Mai's grip, her nails digging into his sleeve, the monk's expression displaying his amusement. Niko blinked calmly,

"Sure," he answered, "just a moment."

He was looking at Mai once more, he leaned in even closer, his voice coming almost to a whisper,

"I was wondering, I mean, I'm not sure how severe it is-" he began, his words faltering slightly as his cheeks grew more and more flushed.

Mai reassumed her grip on Bou-san's unfortunate arm; feeling confused as she tried to understand what she was being asked over the pounding in her ears.

"I guess, I just wanted to know if it was okay to give you a lily tonight..?"

Mai blinked. She opened her mouth to answer, but nothing came out, clearly her confusion was showing as Niko hastily went on-

"You know, with your terrible allergy to them. I wouldn't want to cause you harm. Nari must accept roses on this day, would you like a rose instead?"

Mai felt the tension that had built up in her release.

No proposal, at least not yet.

Mai could feel the weight of everyone's stares as their confusion grew and hers left.

"I'll be okay, lilies will be fine," she finally answered, her voice coming out a bit weakly.

Niko looked down at her a bit concernedly,

"Are you sure? You were so affected last time."

"An allergy? I was not aware you had any," Masako spoke up.

Mai shot her rival a sharp look.

That Masako.

"Oh, do you not know?" Niko asked, looking briefly at those seated at the table, "She has a terrible allergy, I found her in tears the first day I met her-"

The energy shifted at the table. Heat began to climb up Mai's neck; she was losing control of this conversation.

"An allergy to lilies huh?" the miko prodded, sending a small knowing smile to Mai, who proceeded to feel the heat rush up to her cheeks.

That Ayako! She thinks I made that up to avoid getting lilies from Niko...why did I have to pick lilies?!

"In tears?"

Mai's stomach suddenly clenched, that was Naru's voice and while every part of her didn't want to look towards him, she found herself doing just that.

"Yes," Niko was answering, seeming bothered that no one seemed to know of her dangerous allergy, "from her watering eyes."

The next breath that Mai took hitched somewhere in her throat as Naru turned his eyes on her, practically pinning her with his gaze.

"But," Mai gasped out, in an attempt to shut this conversation down, "I'm fine now, it's not that bad, really..."

Niko opened his mouth to argue, but Mai had had all she could take, and in a last ditch effort to persuade him, she placed a reassuring hand on his arm. A flash of red filled the young man's face, but it was worth it as it seemed to do the trick. Satisfied, Niko nodded and then looked up at Naru,

"You said you wanted to talk with me?"

Mai's hand went limp and was quickly removed from Niko's arm as she turned in her seat to face her boss once more. Naru met Niko's gaze, but then darted to Mai briefly.

What is his problem? There is no reason for him to have to speak with Niko alone!

Despite all her embarrassment in the last few moments, Mai still found she could summon up some anger and shot Naru a discouraging glare not for the weak of heart. Outwardly he did not to seem to acknowledge the look, but after a moment answered with,

"Perhaps later, the festival is starting, I'm sure you have work to do."

"I do. Thank you. I'll see you all soon," Niko replied, and with a final bow to them all and a kind smile at Mai, the young man quickly departed.

There was painful silence at the table before Mr. Sachi broke it with his usual tact,

"An allergy to lilies? My dear this is serious, why we were just talking about that today!"

An involuntary memory of their conversation with Nari played before her mind's eye, images of Mr. Sachi holding the bouquet of deadly lilies, tossing them out...

"He's right. It is serious. Perhaps you should stay in? We wouldn't want to risk your health," Masako added turning her attention on her rival, feigning concern.

Mai met Masako's innocent gaze, her eyes glinting at her.

Not a chance.

"I'm fine. I've seemed to have adjusted to being around them," she answered as evenly as she could.

"Perhaps she should stay in," Naru remarked, speaking as though Mai had not answered.

Mai's gaze quickly swung over to Naru. Appearing utterly impassive, he took a deep sip of tea. Mai gripped her own cup with half a mind to toss its lukewarm contents on her boss. Mr. Sachi was nodding heartily and opened his mouth to agree, when Mai cut him off,

"I'm not staying in."

Even as the words left her mouth Mai found them strange. Wasn't it just hours ago that she would have given anything not to participate in this festival? Mai's eyes fell on Masako and her annoying proximity to Naru.

Things change.

"Mr. Sachi isn't it time we should be heading out?" Bou-san prompted, directing their attention to a more important matter.

The playwright glanced down at his watch,

"Oh. You're very right, let's get the show on the road- can't miss a thing!"

Suddenly the table was busy with activity as everyone gathered their things. Mai sunk back into her seat.

Finally.

Bou-san stood up and looked down at Mai, offering her a hand, which she took gratefully.

"Thank you," she whispered as he led her from the table.

The monk flashed her a smile,

"Anytime."

Walking out of the dinging room that night couldn't have been any more different. Sure Mai's heart was still pounding and more than a little part of her wanted to change her mind and stay, but as she clung to Bou-san's arm, she found the once bustling dining room and halls completely empty.

"Ghost town in here, huh?" the monk remarked, as they turned into yet another desolate hall.

"Yeah," she answered, enjoying the space, peace, and quiet before she was about to be plunged into chaos.

They reached the outside all too soon. There was a warm almost humid breeze in the air, the only reminder of the rain they had received earlier. Mai looked up into the sky and was rewarded with a clear view of hundreds of stars, each enhancing the romantic mood, acting as tiny candle lights. Bou-san pointed out the full moon,

"Couldn't ask for a better night," he commented.

Mai nodded grudgingly, a part of her had been holding out for rain. The monk began humming and then paused thoughtfully,

"How does that song go?"

Mai blinked at him with an eyebrow raised,

"What song?"

"Wait, its coming. Something like... can you feel the love tonight...?"

Mai made a face, attempting not to laugh. Looking away from him though, she indulged in a smile. His voice was surprisingly soothing and she made a mental note to ask him to sing for her again, just not now and not that song.

"Almost there," he announced, causing her to look back towards the festival grounds, her smile fading.

With as many fires going and lanterns stung out, the grounds appeared to be glowing. The shadowy forms of Masako, Mr. Sachi, Ayako, Lin, and Naru wavered in front of them. In a moment they would be upon the crowds, lost in ocean of lovers. Mai's stomach churned. Not only were the grounds teeming with many more people than she had imagined, but they were loud too, and as they neared, Mai found herself having to raise her voice just to talk to Bou-san over the shouts from the food stands, squeals of joy, and music which was being played live somewhere. Mr. Sachi slowed to a stop before they got in too deep.

"What do you think? Amazing, huh?" he beamed, using his stage voice to its full advantage, "We're in for an excellent night, the play begins in just under an hour."

Mai went pale as she remembered the last play she attended...where she was depicted as the love interest to Niko's main character. Bou-san winked down at her,

"I doubt Niko wrote this one, Mai."

Mai nodded trying to feel reassured, but instead only felt more anxious.

"Well, I suppose now is better than ever," Mr. Sachi began, turning to Masako and capturing her hands before she could pull them away. Mai frowned. She had been counting on enjoying this (heaven knows Masako was going to take pleasure in her proposal) but the similarity to what her own situation was soon to be, caused her almost to feel sorry for Masako...almost.

"Masako my dear," the playwright began, standing as though he was very tempted to drop down on one knee, "it is true I've only known you for a short time, but in that short time-"

Mai watched Masako's mask crack, taking a step back she attempted to free herself from Mr. Sachi's grasp, but he would not easily let go, his eyes closed as his profession carried on. Not so far off, Mai could see Naru having a word with Lin, the conversation ended and he took notice of Masako's miserable position. Something dark, perhaps annoyance, entered his eyes, and then he made short work of crossing over to them. Then something dawned on her. Mai glanced around, but John was no where in sight. After a moment of thought she couldn't recall him leaving the Inn.

"Masako-"

The name crashed into Mai's thoughts, causing her to forget everything. Naru had spoken it; he was upon them now and meant business. In one swift motion, suggesting a strange strength Mai had noticed in him before, he pulled the medium to the side, and without preamble, seemingly oblivious to Mr. Sachi's protests, he offered her a lily. Ayako's mouth opened slightly, Mai's hung agape. A firm hand suddenly rested on her shoulder, it was Bou-san making sure she didn't do anything vengeful (or in other words, embarrassing).

If Mai was shocked, Masako was more so. Never before had she seen her rival's cheeks flush such a deep red. They almost matched the color of Mai's at the moment. Almost.

"Naru, I don't know what...thank you," the miko mumbled, her composure crumbling, a rarity Mai wasn't sure she had ever seen.

There was no sleeve in the world big enough to cover up the medium's delight. Naru merely nodded,

"You're welcome."

Standing just a few feet away was Mr. Sachi, his expression matching Mai's pretty closely. The playwright opened and closed his mouth a few times before anything came out,

"Excuse me, I had been talking with her-"

Naru blinked, entirely unaffected by the borderline anger in his client's voice.

"Were you? Excuse me then. Please continue."

Mr. Sachi gave him one more offended look, then drew the medium to his side once more. Masako did not put up a fight, in a slightly dreamy state; she let the playwright babble on. By the look in her eye, Mai guessed she wasn't hearing a word the man was saying. Mai wasn't hearing much either, the name Masako in Naru's tone of voice ringing loudly in her ears. Bou-san shook her shoulder a bit,

"Hey, look-" he pointed out, trying to her draw her from her misery, "isn't that Nari headed our way?"

Mai blinked and glanced in the direction the monk had been indicating. He was right, the actress, arms already laden with roses, was hurrying towards them.

Quickly Mai looked to Mr. Sachi, who was now being extra long winded in his proclamation, and wished he would finish things up.

Poor Nari.

"Oh good, I found you," the young woman said, a smile lighting up her rosy cheeks.

Mai suddenly stepped forward to greet her, hoping to block out the sight of her love reciting his love to another woman.

"Nari, how are you? Look at all the roses you have," Mai replied brightly, making sure she had plenty of eye contact.

"I'm great," she answered breathlessly, "Where's Joji? I have to talk to him about the set, it turned out so nice-" In her eagerness, the actress had side stepped Mai and then froze.

"-and so in short my dear, I wish you to have..." Mr. Sachi went on, his voice suddenly loud amongst the murmur of the crowd, about to present the lily.

With a frown Mai looked back to Nari. The woman's arms went slack and for a moment Mai feared she would drop her roses, but she merely cradled them loosely, staring on.

That Masako.

Mai's frowned deepened as the playwright reached in his pocket, oblivious to the new member in his audience, and drew out what Mai knew she would be offered later...

"This lily is yours," he finished, placing a flower, identical to the one Mai had been given by John earlier in the medium's hands. Mai blinked in confusion.

A normal lily?

A small noise sounded from Nari. Relief? Masako seemed doubly confused and relieved.

"Thank you Mr. Sachi," she answered, managing to smile slightly.

Mai's brow furrowed as the playwright smiled back.

He goes on and on about his love, and then he only gives her a regular lily?

Coming out of his dreamy state of love, lilies, and smiles, Mr. Sachi realized he was not alone.

"Nari. Hello."

The actress took a better grip on her roses; she smiled at him, but just faintly,

"Hello, Joji."

Masako looked between the two and then put some space between herself and the playwright.

"Looks like you've been having a successful night, of course we could have guessed as much," he went on, trying a smile of his own on her.

It didn't go over so well as Nari's faded,

"Oh, you flatter me. I'm no Yoshi, but Hara-san here..." She let her dark eyes move over to the medium who was looking distinctly uncomfortable.

"Please, do not assume the same of me either," the medium tried to protest, shaking her head.

Nari smiled a little kinder,

"Don't be modest, look at the start you have, you've been here what? Ten minutes?"

Mr. Sachi shifted where he stood, not liking where the conversation was going, he attempted to draw Nari back to himself,

"Well, whether any of you ladies here become Yoshi," he began, making a point to include Mai and Ayako, "is neither here nor there, as you are all inspiring in my book. Now, Nari how is the stage coming along?"

This question seemed to work. Her attitude changed to a more business like manner as she glanced behind herself, just able to make it out in the distance,

"Excellent, the team really pulled through, they would like you to look over some last minute things if you could..."

Mr. Sachi nodded briskly,

"Very well, if you all would excuse me a moment, Masako-" he said, looking to the medium last for her consent.

Masako managed a slight nod and with that the playwright followed his actress into the swarming crowd. Mai let out a sigh. That had been tense. Mai sent a sharp glare at her rival, who received it with her mask once again in place. A nagging thought at the back of her mind came to the surface: John. With some concern she glanced around, and once again saw that the priest hadn't joined them.

Did he decide to stay back?

Driven by the need to know (nothing else could prompt her to speak to Naru at the moment) she strode over to her boss.

"Have you seen John?"

Naru gazed out over the crowd, then crossed his arms unconcernedly,

"No, but he'll turn up."

Mai made a face and opened her mouth to argue further, but found herself being dragged away by Bou-san.

"Hey- wait, I was trying to figure out something," Mai protested.

"But it's my turn Mai," the monk countered, stopping and facing her.

Mai looked up at him confusedly,

"Your turn..?"

The monk grinned and drew out a lily from his jacket,

"Now Mai my dear, I know I've only know you for a short time, but in that short time-" he began, borrowing Mr. Sachi's lines.

"Very funny," Mai objected, swatting his arm.

"Oy, Mai that's my bad arm," he cried, he eye's shining playfully as he grabbed her hands, "Let me finish-"

Mai pursed her lips, feigning annoyance, but she couldn't help the small smile threatening to grow.

"There, that's a good girl. Now, this is the part where I'm supposed to ramble on for ten minutes, but I'm going to give you the edited version. So Mai, please take this lily as a sign of friendship, because I've decided that I like you most the time (except when you do things like hurt my arm and break my toes) and if I had ever had a sister, I'd want her to be just like you."

The lily Bou-san was extending to her had gone slightly blurry.

That Bou-san. Why did have to go and be all sensitive and nice and-

Mai launched herself at the monk, crushing both the lily and him in a tight hug.

"Oy, Mai- your lily," he pointed out, but hugged her just as tightly back.

"Thank you, Bou-san," she said as she pulled back a moment later.

The monk smiled kindly down at her tapping her nose with his finger,

"Your welcome."

Taking her smashed lily from Bou-san, Mai recalled that her first one was still (hopefully!) on the garden bench back at the Inn. Mai glanced over at Masako who was gazing down at one of her lilies and dangling the other carelessly. A slight pit formed in Mai's stomach. Naru. Her chance was gone, just like that. It had been a long shot, okay a real long shot, but some small part of her had hoped that she might get his lily. So much for that.

That Masako.

But before Mai could really feel sorry for herself, John emerged from the dense crowd.

"John!" Mai cried waving him over, "Where were you?"

John smiled in greeting to Mai,

"I'm sorry; I went to get your lily- every one counts."

A bit surprised, Mai took the lily, holding the two with affection,

"Thank you, John."

"You're the one, huh?" Bou-san wondered, nudging Mai playfully.

John smiled sheepishly,

"Guilty."

Mai heard Ayako snort and looked up just in time she see her smirk. Mai turned up her nose at the miko. They were the best lilies she could want to receive that night and was happy with them even if they did come from Bou-san and John. But Mai had forgotten one last lily she had yet to be given. Niko's.

Breaking a small path through the crowd came the newly crowned Mr. Miyuki and Mr. Sachi. Mai's fingers tightened around her two lilies with dread. Flanked by John and Bou-san, she hoped to shrink away behind them, but both shook their heads and stepped away, the look in their eyes saying: you gotta face this sometime.

"Bou-san...wait," Mai protested, her fingers fumbling for his arm as he moved away from her.

It was no use, though. There was Niko approaching her, a bright smile on his face.

"Mai," he greeted once he was close enough, he face flushing slightly as was usual whenever he talked to her.

"Niko," Mai replied, hoping her nerves weren't creeping into her voice.

"What do you think? Pretty special, hm?" he asked, referring to the festival, although she could see that he was just making conversation, only truly interested in one answer...

Mai watched the busy flow of the crowd moving past them, looking anywhere but at his hopeful face.

"Sure is..."

"I thought you might like it. I'm glad to see your doing so well around the lilies, I was still worried," he admitted, a touch of tenderness in his voice.

At these words Mai finally met the young heir's gaze, managing a reassuring smile. A moment of silence past between them, Niko drew in a breath and shifted where he stood before speaking again,

"Mai, would you mind...would you walk with me a moment?"

Mai's smile faltered. This was it, it was happening, she was going to be proposed to...

"Sure," she croaked, surprised even that much came out.

Would she even be able to answer him?

Niko's smile grew wide,

"Wonderful."

With a silent last minute pleading look sent at Bou-san, Mai found herself being led away. The two of them walked awhile, putting some space between themselves and the SPR team.

"You've received some lilies," Niko remarked, noticing the two she held clutched in one hand.

Yes and two is more than enough, you don't need to give me a third one, really!

The young man's eyes remained on the snow white flowers, and then something passed over his face, a slightly troubled expression,

"Is one from...Shibuya-san?"

Mai to halted dead in her tracks, as if the words were somehow physical and had hit her. Niko stopped also and stared at her, seemingly almost afraid of the answer. Mai blinked stunned.

Naru?

"No. No, it's not..." Mai breathed, utterly confused why he would think such a thing.

Relief washed over Niko's features, he let out the breath he was holding and offered her his warmest smile yet,

"Oh, I see."

He seemed as if he wished to move on, but Mai couldn't go on any further, if he was going to ask her, he needed to do it now, right here. Sensing this, he faced her better,

"Mai, I'm really glad I met you."

Mai exhaled, forcing herself to breathe,

"Me too."

"There's a lot I could say..." he continued breaking his gaze from her eyes to stare at his hands.

Reminded of Mr. Sachi agonizingly long speech, Mai hoped Niko would follow up these words with, but I'll cut to the chase and spare you the slightest bit of misery.

"But I guess the most important thing I need to say, the most important thing I need to ask-"

It occurred to Mai that she could hardly hear Niko any longer with the hammering of her heart, the buzzing in her ears, but her eyes saw clearly. It was unmistakeable that any moment now the question would be asked...

"-is if...you would...be my friend. I've never met anyone as special as you."

Mai could have sworn her heart had stopped for a moment when the first words left his mouth, but what was that? Had he said friend? She couldn't believe it. It wasn't true, she hadn't heard right over the roar in her ears.

"So, if you would take this lily as a token of friendship..." he continued, a bit uncertain in her stunned silence.

It was a normal lily held out in his hand. Suddenly, it sunk in.

A friend?

Relief hit Mai like a wave, she could hear again, breath again, she was free. Finding herself smiling she took Niko's hand, giving it a firm shake,

Be your friend? Deal.

"Yes, yes I will."

Niko broke out in a fresh smile, released from his nerves also, and covered her hand with both of his, giving it an eager squeeze. Each of them wrapped up in the happy way things turned out, neither noticed the audience they had gathered. People, recognizing Niko as the one crowned Mr. Miyuki and remembering rumors whispered about him and this Mai girl, they stopped to see what they thought was a proposal in action. And judging by Mai's cry of yes I will, they were satisfied that it was successful.

Realizing they were still holding hands, Niko finally let go, and the two of them shared in another smile (this one a bit sheepish), but that was when they noticed the smattering of applause. Mai blinked and saw for the first time that they were now standing in a small clearing, the bustling crowd circled around them, many stopping to smile at her and clap. Mai blinked confusedly and looked to Niko who looked just as bewildered. Then she saw Bou-san, John, Ayako, Masako, Mr. Sachi...Lin. Standing there. Staring. Mai looked down at the lily in her hand and suddenly it all made sense.

Oh. Shoot.

"NIKO! WHAT IS THAT? MY GRANDSON IS ENAGED? REALLY?! MYGRANDSON IS ENGAGED! NIKO! WHERE ARE YOU?"

Mai's cheeks flushed with color. Niko looked to Mai and her horrified expression and quickly gave her nudge,

"Go, I'll deal with them," he said, scanning the crowd for his grandparents.

"But-" Mai protested uncertainly.

Niko summoned up a grin,

"Really, it's okay."

Mai smiled weakly back and then as she heard another shout of Niko's name, hurried over to the SPR group,

"Let's go," she ordered, slipping past them.

"Oy- Mai," Bou-san cried, the first to come out of his shock, moving fast behind her to keep up, "just when were you going to tell me you planned on saying yes to this guy? Oh, and I'm the best man, right?"

Mai reached back to hit his arm, the monk dodged it, smirking widely.

"I didn't say yes," Mai argued coming to a food stand they could take refuge next to.

"That's not what I heard," Ayako chimed in, her arms crossed and her thin eyebrows raised.

"Engaged!" Mr. Sachi exclaimed, "I had no idea you had such feelings between you to! I mean I could tell some puppy love coming from him, some men are so shamefully obvious, but..."

"I am not--" Mai started to protest, but Masako started in then.

"I think it's a perfect match. You can stay here and work at the Inn, Mr. and Mrs. Koku will make wonderful in-laws, and we'll be sure to visit you every year during the festival."

Mai's cheeks burned red in anger, and she would have certainly gone about getting revenge had she not noticed just then that there was a person missing from this flood of torments- Naru. Mai blinked,

"Where's Naru?"

Silence met her question; Masako glanced to her left, noticing the vacant spot that was almost always filled by him.

"Last time I saw him was when we found you throwing yourself at your fiancé," Bou-san piped up, smiling into Mai's glare.

"He'll be back," Lin answered, his tone even, giving nothing away.

Mai glanced over at the tall Chinese man. It was terrible, but she often forgot he was around. This entire festival must be his living nightmare.

"Oh. Thank you."

Mai gazed out across the festival grounds in thoughtful silence,

What is it with Naru tonight?

"Well it's no use waiting for him here, I'm sure he'll find us later," Mr. Sachi said, offering an arm to Masako, who pretended not to notice.

"Where are we going?" Ayako asked, becoming impatient with the fact that she had only received one lily that night and had not an opportunity for another.

"They have live music tonight, I trust you dance?" Mr. Sachi wondered, as though everyone in the world could.

Ayako nodded,

"Of course."

Bou-san nudged Mai with a smirk and she could see he was picturing Ayako dancing anything but well.

"Wonderful. Let's be off then."

Shaking her head and taking the monk's arm, they followed Mr. Sachi's enthusiastic lead across the crowded festival grounds. Moving through a mass of people was not an easy thing to do, and not very private either. Mai heard plenty of proposals, all ending in yes, saw more lilies presented than she could count, and heard so many squeals of delight that she thought she would be deaf by the time they got through.

Unexpectedly a man she was passing stopped her for a moment, looking to offer her his lily, but then took one look at Bou-san and gave a hurried bow and pushed his way through the throng. Mai watched him go in surprise, before frowning and giving the monk a not so gentle push.

"Thanks a bunch, you scared him away."

The monk grinned and then offered up a shrug,

"What can I say, I'm intimidating like that. It's my height."

"Well see if I walk with you much longer, where's John?" Mai murmured, moving to find the priest, but found she had nowhere to go as the crowd pressed in ever closer.

"Nice try, but your stuck with me," Bou-san announced triumphantly.

Mai narrowed her eyes at him,

"You can still face the other direction when the next guy comes."

"Next guy? Is there going to be more..?"

At the glint of offense in Mai's eyes, the monk quickly made sure his feet were out of the way, but he couldn't save his shoulder,

"Ow- okay, fine, there might be another one, but between Naru and Niko wouldn't you say your plate's full?"

Mai made a face,

"Why does everyone keep mentioning Naru? What does he have to do with me?"

Bou-san raised and eyebrow,

"Who's everyone?"

Mai crossed her arms, irritated that they were even having this conversation,

"Niko. He asked me if one of my lilies was from Naru."

The monk made a strange sound, a slight knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips, which he was now attempting to keep emotionless.

"Bou-san," Mai prodded, eyeing him suspiciously.

The smile was successfully clamped down and the monk managed to look down at her straight faced,

"Mai."

"Why would Niko ask me if Naru had given me a lily? What would give him that idea?"

"Oy- why are you asking me, how would I know?"

"Because," Mai said scrutinizing the monk beside her, not fooled by his innocent tone of voice, "something happened at the men's meeting this morning and you know about it."

The monk continued walking, his expression remaining frustratingly neutral. After a moment of thought, he answered,

"I wasn't the only one at the meeting this morning, you know."

Mai raised an eyebrow at his cunning,

Nice try.

"I'm not bothering John about this and I'm certainly not bringing it up to Mr. Sachi, I'm asking you Bou-san."

Sensing her determination in this, he looked down at her with a mischievous glint in his eye,

"Maybe you're asking the wrong person."

Mai sighed, leering up at the monk who was clearly enjoying his power over her in this,

"I'm not asking Niko either."

"Who said anything about Niko?"

Mai blinked and the monk's smile grew into a knowing one.

Naru?

Mai frowned sharply and was about to protest against the ridiculousness of the suggestion, when they arrived at their destination. A clear space, twice the size of Mai's room at the Koku's Inn stretched out before them, dotted with couples smiling and gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. The music, which had been muted before by the buzz of conversation, gained ground here as it swelled around them, given off by a small, but enthusiastic band. Strand after strand of lanterns were strung up above the whirling dancers, casting soft light over the space.

"This is it," Mr. Sachi announced, practically shouting to be heard over the rise in the music.

A moment later the set ended, the moving bodies stilled, and a strange hush filled the air. Blushing women and smiling men cleared the area to give other couples a turn. Random notes sounded from the band's platform as they prepared for the next song. Mai took a step back, suddenly wishing to be back in the sea of people she had just come from. If she had intended to melt away from sight, Bou-san had no intention of making it that easy for her.

"Well looks like we got here right on time, shall we my dear?" Mr. Sachi suggested, offering his hand to Masako, who gazed at it as though taking it was the last thing she would ever do.

After a moment though, she relented and allowed herself to be pulled out onto the filling dance floor. Mai made to disappear, but Bou-san chose then to take hold of her arm and usher her forward, giving her a look that said clearly: if I have to do this, you do too.

Passing Ayako, Mai caught her staring on at the all the couples with her arms crossed, and then uttering a huff, she captured John's arm.

Poor John.

Facing forward again, Mai saw that Bou-san had stopped them somewhere near the center of the dance floor. Nervously Mai cast a glance at the band, which looked ready to begin.

"Bou-san, I'm not a very good dancer," Mai admitted, glancing down at her feet uncertainly.

"You'll do fine, just follow my lead, and besides-" he replied, flashing her a grin, "-you've done worse to my feet."

Mai looked up at him with narrowed eyes.

Oh yeah?

A startling set of notes suddenly filled the air and then- they were moving- and fast. Mai followed the monk's simple, but quick steps like a puppet being pulled by its strings. Noticing her clumsy steps and her lag in pace, Bou-san couldn't resist a teasing smile, which he swallowed in the next instant when Mai accidentally stepped on his foot, with her heel.

After a few dizzying turns around the floor, Mai found herself falling into a somewhat manageable pattern, and able to look up from her condemning feet. Smiling faces came at her and away in a blur, the swish of dresses embellished the lively tune they were all dancing to. Mai felt herself growing warm with the effort of keeping up with the steps, as something to do to stop herself from becoming dizzy, Mai looked up at her dance partner and found his attention else where.

Curious enough to risk stumbling over a step, Mai attempted to follow his gaze through the many couples moving in and out, to his real target. After dismissing a round old woman and a girl about her own age, the bodies parted just enough so she could make out John and Ayako following the edge of the floor. Bingo.

Mai allowed herself a small satisfied smile, almost positive that if it hadn't been herself who had received Bou-san's lily; it would have been the miko. Blinking, the monk focused once again on his own partner, and jumped slightly, surprised to find her staring back him with such an odd, knowing look.

How do you like the tables turned, huh?

Recovering he summoned up and quick smile, though it couldn't hide the self conscious, caught in the act, glint in his eyes. Mai reveled in her revenge.

"See something interesting, Bou-san?"

The monk narrowed his eyes at her a bit, attempting to lose his uncomfortable air, which Mai observed with much delight.

"Not in particular, I'll let you know if I spot Niko or Naru though."

Mai bit her lip. Her feet became a little clumsier.

That Bou-san.

"Speaking of Naru," Mai began, taking a stab at their earlier conversation, "you have some explaining to do."

Bou-san raised an amused eyebrow at her,

"I thought we agreed that I'm not the one to be explaining anything."

Mai was about to glare the monk down, but she stumbled over her footwork and was forced to look down to regain her footing,

"I agreed to nothing and I don't knowif I really should be talking to Naru seeing as I don't knowwhat happened this morning, but I do know this certain monk who was there and does know." Mai let her implications hang in the air as she gave Bou-san a hard stare.

The monk returned this with a long look. With a sigh he looked away,

"I don't know, I still say you should ask the man himself-"

Mai made a noise that was a cross between a scoff and a huff. Bou-san looked back to his flustered partner, another smile pulled at his lips at seeing her so worked up over this,

"But I guess if you must know..." he paused here to glance around secretively, "It was just about the end of the meeting, Mr. Koku had just finished telling us all about lilies, when some of the guys started teasing Niko about, you know...you-"

Mai felt her cheeks heating up as she pictured a bunch of guys she didn't know discussing her. Bou-san grinned,

"Should I go on?"

Mai pointedly placed her hand on his sensitive shoulder and smiled,

"Please."

With his smile promptly wiped off, the monk continued,

"Anyways...they began to talk about you and proposals and marriage and such, asking how Niko planned to pop the question to you. The poor guy was blushing down to his roots, but smiling. He seemed to like the idea-" the monk paused here to wiggle his eyebrows at her.

"Bou-san, was I proposed to tonight? No," Mai protested, giving his shoulder a slight squeeze in revenge.

Still the monk smiled that infuriating knowing smile,

"Maybe there's a reason you weren't proposed to tonight, ever thought about that?"

Mai blinked at him darkly,

"Finish the story Bou-san."

"Fine," he agreed, shrugging out of her grip on his shoulder, "as I was saying, Niko was basking in all this marriage talk when suddenly Naru stands up-"

Mai's gripped intensified,

Naru?

Bou-san opened his mouth (weather to protest in pain or continue, is not known), but in that instant the music ended and Mai's rapidly moving feet came to an ungraceful halt. The grounds were strangely quiet again. Bou-san was smiling once more. Mai leered at him, but her hands had fallen to her sides, and revenge could not be taken. The floor began to clear and with it all of Mai's hopes of hearing the story completed,

Naru stood up- and then...?

Mai firmly took up a dancing position with the monk again,

"Another round," she all but commanded.

"Oh I don't know Mai, I think my feet need a break, you're not exactly a light step."

Just then they were interrupted,

"Mai! How did you like it?"

Mr. Sachi was standing at their side, Masako barely holding his arm,

"Oh, very nice."

The playwright beamed,

"The band is the one who plays for our theater, they do such good work. I feel up to another turn about the floor, but Masako here is tired-"

"Is that so, Mr. Sachi?" Bou-san cut in, looking down at Mai with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, "As it turns out Mai was just saying she felt the same way, and I'm tired myself, perhaps we should trade partners? I'd be more than happy to walk Hara-san back."

If Mai could have reached any part of the monk, she would have made him pay for every word he just said, but Bou-san was smart and as he spoke he began moving away from her and by the finish he had already taken up Masako's arm. Mr. Sachi, while not expecting such a suggestion, and not very fond of leaving his beloved's side, brightened after a moment and warmed to the idea,

"Yes, why not?"

"Great! Have fun," Bou-san said with a wink.

And at that (knowing he had to get out of there quickly) he walked away with Masako. Mai watched them until they could no longer be seen through all the couples taking the floor once again.

"Shall we?" Mr. Sachi asked pleasantly as the first notes of a mid-tempo song drifted through the air.

Reluctantly, Mai looked to her new partner and took up hold, smiling strainedly while desperately trying to keep as much space between them as she could. And then they were away, and while not moving as fast as before, the pace was still fast enough for Mai to be almost entirely absorbed in watching her feet. Mr. Sachi didn't seem to mind her silence, having enough to say for both of them. There was something to be said about almost every couple they past ( "acted with him last year", "donated generously to the theater", "had a nasty break up" ). For the most part Mai was able tune out the various gossip of her fellow dancers, but then her ears picked up on something she actually wanted to hear,

"...of course he had plenty to think about this morning at the meeting."

The meeting?

"Oh I'm sure," she said suddenly picking up where the playwright left off, "It's a thoughtful time for everyone."

"To be sure...to be sure... giving a lily is a great responsibility."

Mai frowned slightly; they were getting off topic.

"Are the meetings the same every year?" she asked glancing at the playwright briefly to show her curiosity. Mr. Sachi nodded,

"It's all the same every year, but with a mix of old and new festival goers in attendance... that sure can make things...different."

Mai smiled inwardly.

Now we're getting somewhere.

"Different..?" she encouraged, careful to not sound too interested.

Mr. Sachi looked to her and blinked, then smiled,

"Well my dear, they can change the dynamics a bit. Do things different sometimes. I myself can recall a few memorable meetings, one was today actually-" the playwright paused and looked out at the dancers distractedly, "Uh, um- so you see they're just different-"

"Today there was an interesting one?"

The playwright tore his gaze away from all the faces whizzing by them to look once again at his curious partner,

"It's nothing really...would bore you probably-"

Bore me, right.

"I could use a good story," Mai persisted, smiling as brightly as she could manage.

The playwright adjusted his hold on her uncomfortably; uncertain he glanced over his shoulder at the far end of the dance floor where Masako and Bou-san stood.

"Well...it kind of...involves you actually," he mumbled, looking embarrassed.

Mai raised her eyebrows in mock surprise,

"Me..?"

Mr. Sachi tilted his head towards her, enabling him to lower his voice. Mai's instinct was to lean back, the smell of the playwright's cologne filling her senses, but she held her position, eager to hear what he had to say,

"Well, yes. It's a strange thing- don't understand it really, but some of the men at the meeting were discussing proposals and your name was brought up. It was implied, of course, that Niko would be proposing to you-" here Mr. Sachi cleared his throat and gave Mai some space,

"That's when Shibuya-san stood up. I was sitting behind him, so I couldn't see his face...but he seemed troubled, even more brooding than usual, and then just like that, he left- in the middle of a meeting no less! I'm not sure, I was so surprised to see him walking away that I wasn't really paying attention, but he muttered something under his breath-" Mr. Sachi by this point had embraced the idea of sharing this juicy bit of gossip and was talking quite animatedly. All thoughts of concealing interest now thrown out the window, Mai felt her heart pounding in anticipation...

What did he say?

A long loud note caused Mai to momentarily to glance at the band, and to her horror she could tell they were reaching their finale,

No, wait...not again!

"What did he say?" Mai prompted as the other dancers began to slow their steps.

Mr. Sachi blinked and took in his surroundings, coming down slightly from the excitement of sharing the story,

"Oh, is the dance over already? It feels as if we just begun..."

"Mr. Sachi," Mai tried again, attempting to keep her voice even as they slowed to a stop. Time was running out, past the couples near them she could see Bou-san waving her over, "what happened next?"

The playwright released her from his hold, looking thoughtful,

"...it is a shame that it's over, what was that? What happened? Well, he left- and that was that. Different, hm?"

Mai opened her mouth to persist, but he began to give her an odd look,

"Is something wrong?"

Mai shut her mouth and quickly shook her head,

"No, everything is...just fine," she lied with a brief smile.

"That was very nice, we'll have to do it again," the playwright went on as he led Mai off the dance floor.

"Enjoyed yourselves?" Bou-san wondered as they approached him.

"It was a nice time," Mr. Sachi answered with a kind smile sent at Mai.

Her mind whirling as though she was still turning about the dance floor, Mai barely acknowledged it.

"If you'll excuse me, I've worked up quite a thirst and I must find out what there is to drink around here," the playwright continued, glancing around for a food stand.

Watching his retreating back, Mai turned on the monk beside her,

"Okay, just what did Naru say at the meeting this morning?"

Bou-san blinked down at her disapprovingly,

"Pumping an unsuspecting playwright for information, I'm shocked at you..."

"Bou-san, answer me. What did he say?" she persisted stubbornly.

"Who says I know?"

Mai crossed her arms and set her face into a determined frown,

"Because you do, now just tell me."

"Maybe I don't."

Mai opened her mouth to argue, moving her foot threateningly close to the monk's when a few loud cries came from the group of people next to them. Mai turned her head just in time to see John engulfed by women, old women. Exchanging a quick confused look with Bou-san, Mai could hear them raving,

"What luck! It's the handsome young man from a couple days ago!"

"It's nice to see you again," he answered with a polite smile.

Just then Masako joined them, offering a rare bow towards the gaggle surrounding the priest. Mai's confusion only heightened.

"Looks like John has a following," Bou-san piped up with a grin.

Mai nudged him in the side as she watched the old women greet the medium with the same respect.

"What a lovely night for the festival, if only I was a young girl again..." one of them, dressed in a dark blue gown fringed by feathers, said wistfully, her keen old eyes resting on John.

The young man took it in stride, smiling lightly,

"Yes, it is a good night."

With a boldness that made Mai blush another one of the women, her wrinkles particularly plentiful, seized John's arm, smiling up at him longingly.

"How many girls have you delighted tonight?"

John's face grew a bit pinker, but Masako rescued him from an answer,

"I see you have a few lilies yourselves, admirers?"

The women broke out into wide wrinkled smiles,

"Oh yes, but none would compare to him..." one answered, edging near the priest.

"My dear I bet you're a charming dancer, why are you not out on the floor?" another chimed in, beating the previous woman to his other free arm.

The other women began to run with the idea,

"Ah, there's an idea! Oblige us- let us see you turn about."

"So dashing, yes do- do go out!"

"Do you lack a partner? I would be happy to join you."

"Wait, you'll want me- I am a much better partner-"

"Please Hashi, you trip standing still."

The bickering became more and more frenzied with John in the middle, each of his arms being pulled on, the other women crowding in to argue.

"Actually," Masako spoke up, calmly moving forward, and claiming one of John's arms from a startled old woman, "he has promised me a dance."

The priest blinked and looked to the medium with surprise at first, but quickly recovered and nodded,

"That's right, I have."

There were murmurs of disappointment from the group, mumbles of if only I were younger... Mai's head snapped back around to see what Bou-san made of all this, but all that was beside her was empty space.

"Bou-san..?"

Mai looked around and for a moment and the only familiar face she could spot was Lin, standing as though impassive to the world around him, but then- a break in the crowds and there was the monk-with Ayako. With a glance back towards John (who was attempting to gently free himself from the old women) she made directly for the monk.

Ayako stood between the monk and another man, looking flustered.

"You remember- from table twelve earlier..." the miko was explaining, her smile strained as she looked upon the man.

Mai stopped in her tracks.

That's the gentleman from table twelve?

Not only was he a good three inches shorter than Ayako herself, but a good ten inches rounder. The man offered the priestess an enchanting smile, running a hand through his thinning hair,

"Yes, that was me. I wished to speak with you, but was regretfully detained."

Bou-san stood, a wide amused grin on his face, watching the miko's predicament with pleasure. The man reached for her hand,

"But I have managed to find you now; would you do me the service of this dance?"

Mai raised her eyebrows,

Service is definitely the right word.

Ayako opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out, too shocked (perhaps humbled?) to find her usual fiery words. The monk decided to take pity.

"Well I'm sure she would," he began, pulling the miko to his side in one swift motion, "but you see, she's already promised this dance to me."

Ayako blinked startled, a rush of color flooding her cheeks. The man looked to her confirm this and quickly she smiled.

"Sorry."

With a frown the man watched the miko led away to the dance floor. Mai moved back through the crowd, hoping to get a better view. Coming out to stand near Lin, she could see John and Masako in the far right corner, each giving a brief wave to what Mai saw were the old women swarming around the edge of the dance floor.

Across from them, Mai could see Bou-san had brought Ayako to the center, the monk smiling, the miko looking annoyed. The first notes were drawn out long and haunting. Out of all the fast paced songs just preformed, the band had chosen now to play a much slower piece. The couples began to move across the floor, their steps slow and elegant.

"It's the waltz," a voice suddenly explained.

Mai blinked and looked up at Lin standing beside her.

"Oh, is that what it is?" she replied thoughtfully, catching sight of John and Masako spinning by, light smiles on both their faces.

A slight nagging curiosity grew in the back of Mai's mind. Unsure at her own daring she looked back up at the Chinese man,

"Do you dance Lin?"

His tall frame shifted, and Mai couldn't be sure (the lighting was dim) but she swore she saw a rare smile pulling at the corners of his mouth,

"Not often," was his answer after a moment.

Mai allowed herself a small smile at the thought of Naru's assistant moving in and out of all those love struck couples.

"Perhaps Ayako will ask you to later," Mai continued, taking advantage of his good humor.

Lin glanced down at her, his eyebrow rose slightly,

"I would decline. There is only one person in this world who could ask and expect the answer to be yes."

Mai blinked surprised at his answer. Cryptic and vague, it was like most of what the guarded man said when forced to speak, but this time... she had been allowed a glimpse to a bit of his personal life that was usually shrouded in mystery, unknown to probably all but Naru...and this person he just spoke of.

Lin's face relaxed from its smile and his gaze grew distant. Sensing his withdrawal, she respectfully decided to leave the man to his thoughts and said quietly,

"I think I'm going to find something to drink..." and at his small nod, never removing his dark eyes from the dancers, she slipped away.

Mai followed the edge of the dance floor, occasionally seeing Bou-san and Ayako appear in and out of the other couples crowding the floor, each gazing at each other in a way that hardly looked like hate...smiling to herself Mai continued on. After a while of forcing her way through the dense crowd, Mai quickly realized the extent of her thirst. Swallowing with some difficulty, she hoped that she could find where Mr. Sachi had disappeared to, and soon.

Surely he found something around here...

There was excitement in the air, several people around her mentioning that the crowning of Yoshi would be soon. Mai looked down at her three lilies with a frown.

It's probably for the better this way; it would be awkwardif I was chosen as Yoshi with Niko already crowned as Mr. Miyuki.

After a bit a longer of moving along with the crowd, Mai realized she had no idea where she was being led to. Stopping she rose up on her feet, attempting to get a better view of where she had ended up, desperate to catch sight of a food stand, but no such luck.

Considerably shorter than most of the people pressed in around her, she couldn't even manage to see past the head and shoulders of the person in front of her. Feeling slightly trapped and frustrated, Mai began to push her way through with a bit more energy than before, looking simply to get out of the human traffic she found herself in the middle of. Finally she found herself making some progress as there were fewer and fewer people in the direction she was headed. Escaping the buzz, heat, and cramped quarters, Mai found herself stumbling out into an open space off to the side of the bustling festival grounds.

A warm breeze took up the air around her, stirring Mai's sticky bangs from her forehead. Squinting in the dim light, as the moon had retreated behind a cloud and there were no considerately placed lanterns in this area, Mai saw she was standing near something not unlike a barn or, as she looked closer...an outdoor theater?

Mai took a few curious steps towards it. It was a covered structure, though the roof had several large holes in it. The only wall was set up behind the small wooden stage, the rest of the theater being open air with rows of wooden benches set out, now claimed by the weeds. Mai frowned in confusion, wondering why the theater worshiping town of Nozomi would let something like this fall into disrepair?

After a moment or two of thoughtful silence, Mai felt her thirst nagging at her once again, drowning out any more curious thoughts. With a sigh Mai turned to look once again at the swarm of people, illuminated in the night by the soft glow of fire light as they rushed on to various food stands and proposals. Mai made no move to join them. She felt somehow special to have found this little sanctuary from all the madness of the festival and even despite her raging thirst, she had the inclination to linger.

The next gust of wind that blew past her carried with it the smell of festival food- and voices. Startled Mai glanced into the shadows, she had been sure she was alone out here. She didn't know what made her do it, perhaps guided by a surge of intuition, she dropped to the dusty ground, ducking behind one of the benches used for the theater, hidden by the tall grasses that grew up around it and the inky darkness all around her. Scarcely able to see, Mai could hear the voices growing from a faint broken murmur, into a strengthening tone. Words reached her ears: "alone", "lilies", "theater"...

Mai crouched down lower as she realized that whoever was out there was moving towards the theater. Why she was hiding she hardly knew, but she wasn't about to get up now...

"I had planned to restore it this summer, though after all the extra expenses, I never got around to it."

Mai nearly inhaled a mouthful of dust. She knew that voice- Mr. Sachi. Covering her mouth and nose Mai struggled not to sneeze as a female voice answered him.

"Joji, you know that would be pointless now."

There was a noise of reluctant agreement from the playwright. Mai shifted carefully, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious woman he was with, the soft voice unfamiliar to her ears.

He's certainly not taking Nari for a midnight stroll.

Through the parting grass Mai could make out shadowy feet, the long dress that draped over the legs of the woman, but no color stood out in the infinite gray blackness that surrounded them. Mr. Sachi walked by, not five feet from her; she ducked sharply as he spoke, his voice loud in her ears-

"I know you're unhappy about this..."

"Joji, enough apologizing...I'm not that upset."

There was silence in which Mai imagined the two were sharing a look, or a smile...or according to the closeness of their stance a...kiss. Mai pressed her hand tighter over her mouth to muffle the surprised noise she had just made, nearly biting her tongue.

"Take this- please do not deny me this one thing."

Mr. Sachi was speaking once again, his voice sounding so much different than what she had ever heard out of him. It was serious, pleading, but not whining like with Masako, it held a certain firmness that she had never imagined he possessed. There was another long silence, Mai leaning dangerously forward in hopes of seeing something, anything- but they had moved away, back towards the stage, and now the woman's reply came quietly.

"I accept it...thank you."

Their shadows began to move again, drifting away from the theater.

No! I have to follow them!

Just then a strong hand came to cover her mouth and in one swift motion she was pulled to her feet, held from behind. Mai let out a shocked cry and struggled, but she was no match for the strong arms that captured her, pinning her against a warm body that smelled strangely of...tea?

Led quickly to somewhere deeper in the shadows, frustratingly in the opposite direction of Mr. Sachi, Mai was finally released. The moment she felt her captor's hold relax, she tore away from him, whirling around with so much force she nearly fell over,

"Help-" she attempted to cry, but a firm hand reached out and caught her arm, steadying her and then pulling her near again. Warningly a finger was pressed to her lips.

Her heart beating hard in her chest she stared her attacker in the eye and then lurched herself back in surprise.

"Naru!" she gasped.

Her bossed glared at her sharply,

"Mai, be quiet," he warned.

Mai was now grateful for his grip on her arm, she was pretty sure that was the only thing holding her up at the moment.

"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded breathlessly, stunned at being so manhandled.

"Don't you think that's a better question for you?"

Mai jerked her arm from his hand,

"Excuse me, but last time I checked it wasn't normal to kidnap your employees and drag them through the dark-"

"Last time I checked normal people didn't crouch in the dark eavesdropping on innocent couples," Naru cut in, glaring at the dust coating Masako's flawless kimono. Color rose to Mai's cheeks.

"Innocent couples? There was nothing innocent about-" but Mai stopped here, seeing the eager gleam in Naru's eyes.

He hadn't arrived in time. He didn't know who she had saw.

That Naru.

Pursing her lips tightly Mai turned on heel and made to march away from her manipulative boss.

"Where are you going?" he asked, taking a few large strides and coming to stop in front of her, "What about the couple you were spying on?"

Mai crossed her arms and leered up at her tall boss, silently cursing his height advantage.

"Nothing," she answered stubbornly, moving to brush past him.

Naru caught her shoulder with his hand,

"It was not nothing, Mai," he countered, his voice growing dangerously low.

"Let me go," she protested becoming impatient and finding that she was now practically dying of thirst.

With a slight frown Naru released her. Mai moved along hurriedly.

"Why the rush...meeting someone? Perhaps that's why you were out here in the first place?" he persisted, speaking to her retreating back.

Mai halted and blinked, stunned. Slowly she turned around, taking that time to arrange her face into something like indifference,

"So what if I was?" she asked, playing along, "What does it matter to you?"

Naru looked away from her, out at the blackness around them, and then looked back with something like a smile,

"It doesn't matter to me. It's only natural that you would want to meet your fiancé where his obnoxious grandparents won't be looking over your shoulder."

Mai felt herself tense, her hands made fists at her sides.

"Don't insult the Kokus, they're good people," she snapped.

Although she had no idea why, her anger at Naru for some reason caused her to defend anyone under his attack. She had a feeling that if he had chosen that moment to bring up even Masako, her defense of the medium would have been sickeningly diligent.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend your future in-laws-"

"They're not my future in-laws," Mai objected, her hands coming to rest on her hips.

"Yes they are, perhaps you've forgotten what happens after you get engaged-"

"I'm not engaged to Niko!" Mai cried, her voice horse from how dry her throat felt.

Naru opened his mouth but then closed it. Something glinted in his eyes; he immediately looked away from her,

"But I heard you-"

Mai bit her lip and let out a heavy sigh,

"He was asking for my friendship."

There was a pause,

"Why are you out here again, Mai?" he asked looking back to her with a remastered expression.

"I was thirsty."

Naru's eyebrow rose,

"What did you expect to find out here?"

"I had been looking for a food stand and got caught in the crowds; I came out here to escape them," Mai explained impatiently, "Now I'm going to find something to drink before I lose my voice." And with that she made her third attempt to leave.

Silently, like a tall black shadow, Naru came to walk beside her. Mai pointedly ignored him, staring hard at the crowds they were approaching. Actually welcoming the noise and chaos, Mai was willingly swallowed up by the mass of bodies, making sharp random turns often in hopes of losing her shadow. Unfortunately, Naru was not to be out witted, following so close to her that almost every breath she took smelled of tea. Mai breathed in through her mouth and trudged on with more effort.

After several fruitless minutes of going virtually no where, unable to see past the many people jammed in front of her (though she could frustratingly see that Naru rose above most of the crowd) she finally heard something welcome to her ears,

"Yakitori, get your Yakitori here- best in Nozomi!"

Finally!

Perking up, Mai strained to pin point where the shouts were coming from, after a moment of listening she decided to head off to her left. Pushing her way through, the crowd became increasingly dense and soon she found herself slowing to a stop. Uncertain at why the group ahead of her was no longer moving, Mai bounced around on her feet, peering to the side, hoping to see what was blocking her progress. A voice from behind solved her curiosity,

"You're in line."

Mai snapped her head around to leer at her boss, but found herself stumbling back as she was facing his chest.

"Oh- sorry," she apologized to the young man she just bumped into in her surprise.

His frown disappeared the moment he caught Mai's quick apologetic smile.

"No problem, you alright?" he asked, helping Mai regain her balance.

"Um, yes," she mumbled, attempting to compose herself.

The young man glanced down and Mai followed his gaze. Held innocently in his hand was a lily. With a slight smile he looked back up at her and Mai met his gaze with a self conscious blush.

"Would you, uh..." his voice suddenly trailed off as he caught sight of Naru.

Mai witnessed the exchange and (remembering the incident with Bou-san) spoke quickly,

"I will, thank you."

The young man blinked, looking to Mai a little confusedly, but then he managed to recover, and hurriedly handed off the lily. Without another word and just a brief bow, he left. Holding the delicate flower in her hand, Mai watched him plow through the crowd stunned. In the next instant anger replaced her shock. Turning on Naru, she fixed him with fierce glare,

"What was that?"

Her boss observed her unaffectedly,

"What are you talking about?"

Mai felt heat rising to her cheeks, her hands closing tightly around the few lilies she did have,

"You know exactly what I'm talking about-"

Naru shrugged,

"How should I know why someone would give you a lily..."

Mai crushed the lilies in her hand, her mouth falling open; she drew in a deep breath-

"Excuse me, but are you in line or not?"

Mai blinked rapidly, looking to the woman who suddenly stood next to her, pointing to the empty space that had grown behind her. Mai looked to the vacant spot and then back to the woman,

"Yes, I am- sorry," and quickly she moved up, turning her back on Naru.

Her thirst burning away at her throat, Mai clamped her mouth shut; she no longer had any energy to fight her insensitive boss. There was an irritated sigh behind her and then movement. Mai didn't take her eyes off the old woman standing in front of her, but out of her peripheral vision she could see someone parting the crowd to her right. Mai blinked and glanced down at her sad looking lilies, some petals falling from her hand.

That Naru.

Stepping forward as the line crept along Mai began to fear lasting damage from her dry throat if she didn't get something to drink soon, when a voice very near to her caused her to jump,

"Here."

Mai looked to her immediate right to see Naru standing there, a nice cold glass of water in his hand. For that moment she abandoned all of her previous thoughts and anger, her mind could only compute one thing: water. Eagerly she grabbed for the cup, barely taking it from Naru's hand before taking large swallows. Nearly downing the whole thing in one instant, Mai was finally forced to take a breath. Looking up she didn't care about the looks she was getting from the people moving around her to rejoin the line, let alone the slightly disapproving one from Naru.

"Better?" he asked, his eyes regarding her critically.

Too breathless to speak yet, Mai simply nodded, enjoying the ability to swallow again.

"Good, we need to find the others," he ordered, leading the way opposite from which they had come.

Mai took some more grateful sips, this time less ravenously,

"Naru, how did you get this?"

"I asked for it."

Mai glanced back at the line they were leaving,

"But it wasn't our turn..."

"So?"

Mai drank thoughtfully.

"Then how-"

Naru shot her a look over his shoulder,

"If you don't want it Mai we can always give it back-"

Mai frowned and gripped the cup possessively,

"I never said that."

"Just drink."

Mai looked down into her cup silently, she wasn't going argue him on this point, there were some other things she would argue...(Mai peeled a damp lily petal from her glass), but she decided to say no more.

Moving through the thick crowd was much more effective with Naru in the lead, his tall imposing figure practically clearing an invisible path for her to follow after. Mai noticed, as they past couples young and old, that there was a change in the murmur of the crowd. Proposals were quickly being replaced by talk of who the next Yoshi would be.

"It starts soon you know..."

"I have nine lilies, beat that."

"Wouldn't it be romantic if that girl Niko is engaged to is picked to be Yoshi?"

"Oh, soooo romantic!"

A flash of pink rose to Mai's cheeks, keeping her head down she hurried past the gossiping girls only to bump into Naru who stopped suddenly.

"Hey, Naru- keep going," Mai protested, keeping a wary eye on the group of young women just few feet behind them.

"Miss Miyuki," Naru spoke, nodding his head towards someone Mai couldn't see. Moving around her Naru sized road block, Mai could see that they had stopped in a small break from the crowds near the stage. Mai's gaze then traveled until it found a cream dress, following it upwards she saw that the dress led to a neck of pale porcelain skin and a keen face set off by a pair of sapphire eyes.

"Shibuya-san," she answered, offering a small nod of her own, her golden hair falling over her shoulders, catching the lantern light attractively.

Suddenly Mai was painfully aware that her kimono was covered in a layer of dirt and her hair had long since freed a part of it's self from Bou-san's hair clip. Vainly brushing away at the delicate fabric, tucking a stray stand of hair behind her ear, Mai looked up to see that the woman was now staring down at her.

"I believe I only met you briefly before, Miss...?"

"Taniyama. Mai Taniyama."

Miss Miyuki smiled, which was a truly stunning flash of white,

"Well, Taniyama-san, are you enjoying yourself this evening?"

Mai blinked as though struck by something.

Her smile...why is it so familiar?

"Mai?" Naru prompted in her odd silence.

Mai came to with a start and then quickly glanced down, realizing she had been staring,

"Oh yes...it's been interesting," she managed to answer smoothing out some wrinkles from her dress.

There was a moment of silence and then Naru took up the conversation once again,

"And are you, Miss Miyuki?"

Slowly Mai's gaze rose, looking from her boss to the heiress. The woman's smile was softer towards Naru, and something about it was even more striking to Mai. She could almost match it to another's face...the vision was just out of reach.

"I am Shibuya-san," she replied burying her nose in a large bouquet of lilies. Mai's pleasant expression grew rigid. She didn't like the way Shibuya-sanrolled off the woman's tongue, "but I'm sure I'm not the only one, Mai where is your collection?"

Attempting to hold a polite smile in the face of false intimacy and insult, Mai couldn't help a glance at her four dying lilies, one was even petal-less. Miss Miyuki followed her gaze,

"Left the rest at home did you? No matter, who really wants to be crowned as my mother anyways? Everyone knows her memory is little loved in Nozomi."

Mai drew in a small breath. Naru glanced at her, but she didn't notice, her mind miles away. The spark of recognition had been lit and now she knew what it was about Miss Miyuki's that was so familiar...

She has her mother's smile.

"Mai, something wrong..?" Naru questioned, his dark eyes observing her carefully.

Mai pretended not to notice his suspicious gaze,

"Just fine," she lied.

Naru's heavy stare lingered on her a bit longer than was entirely comfortable, but fortunately she was saved in the next moment by the intrusion of Mr. Sachi.

"Mai, Shibuya-san, what-"

The playwright froze mid-step, his friendly eyes turning cold as he spotted the heiress,

"Miss Miyuki," he greeted curtly.

The woman turned to face the playwright,

"Mr. Sachi," she answered in the same clipped tone.

"We've been looking for you," Mr. Sachi went on addressing Mai and Naru, "Just having a quick chat here?"

"Yes, actually," Miss Miyuki answered for them, her attractive features hardening, "It seems you've managed to hire someone with some sense for once."

Mr. Sachi stood straighter, casting a look at Naru,

"I would appreciated it if you didn't harass my paranormal team."

Mai eyebrows rose,

His paranormal team?

Naru shifted where he stood and fixed his client with a sharp look,

"I was the one to call on Miss Miyuki."

Mr. Sachi looked back to the woman unapologetic,

"My mistake."

"Mai!" a voice suddenly cut in.

Hearing her name, Mai glanced around before catching sight of Bou-san, followed by the rest of SPR.

"Hey, where did you disappear to?" he asked as he came up to her.

A bit of color tinted her cheeks as she recalled her recent encounter with Naru.

"I was getting a drink," she answered, though her eyes found Mr. Sachi.

What was he doing out there? Who was he with?

The monk followed her gaze and then looked back at her unconvinced,

"A drink huh? When did Naru come into the picture..?"

"Later," she urged, giving him a silencing look.

A small smile broke out across the monk's lips, but he said no more.

"Ah, Masako," Mr. Sachi said, coming up to the medium as if he suddenly realized she was missing from his side.

Talking with John, she blinked at the playwright as he interrupted,

"We're all together now, shall we find our places? The announcement will be soon."

There was a weak murmur of agreement which he accepted eagerly,

"Excuse us, Miss Miyuki."

And with that he escorted Masako away and into the gathering crowd. Ayako glanced at the luminous heiress, shimmering in her long white dress as if a lily herself, and snorted haughtily before turning on heel and following Mr. Sachi's lead. Naru nodded his head towards the woman,

"Good evening, Miss Miyuki."

Some of the stiffness left her figure and she bowed her head in return,

"It was good to see you again, Shibuya-san."

Rising her head she caught Mai's eye and offered a small smile,

"And you as well, Mai."

Mai managed a strained smile back and then took up Bou-san's arm and walked with him into the throng that was now massing around the stage. Glancing back at the theater heiress it occurred to Mai that the mysterious woman of last night's festival had been Miss Miyuki herself.

Her familiarity was because of the picture, she resembles her mother...

"Lost in thoughts of Naru?" the monk beside her prodded, interpreting her silence as meaning only one thing.

"Please, Bou-san," Mai protested, sending him a look.

"Well you give me little to work with. You're here one minute, gone the next, then some time later you turn up with Naru of all people. It leads a guy to think. Though you could help and fill those blank spots..."

Mai observed the monk thoughtfully,

"How about a trade? You fill my blank spots and I'll fill yours."

Bou-san was silent for a moment, considering her deal. With a slight smile he nodded,

"Fine. You first."

Mai made a face and poked him in the arm,

"You. I really should be hearing this from you for free anyways."

With a slight frown, Bou-san rubbed his arm,

"Okay, fine," he relented, "just leave my shoulder alone will you?"

Mai smiled sweetly,

"Sure thing- now spill."

The monk crossed his arms and looked off in deep thought,

"Let me see, where were we...ah yes, so some of the guys at the meeting began asking Niko how he was going to propose to you-"

"We were past that," Mai reminded impatiently.

The monk raised an eyebrow at her,

"Well, excuse me...let's skip ahead here then- how about, then Naru marched passed me and John and stormed out of the room-"

"Bou-san-" Mai protested, growing anxious for the answer, "quit being impossible and just tell me what Naru said-"

"Welcome Nozomi!" a voice suddenly rang out over the festival grounds and then there was a roar of applause.

No! Why now?

Mai glared fiercely over at the monk while all around them people clapped. Grinning, Bou-san held a hand up to his ear and shrugged, unable to hear or be heard over the deafening noise.

That Bou-san.

Standing closer to the stage than the night before, Mai found she could see without the monk's assistance. Holding the mic was a bright young woman who stood smiling out at the crowd, Mai frowned at her.

You just had to start when Bou-san was about to tell me everything...

"Yes, welcome everyone," the woman continued as the applause subsided, "tonight is the glorious crowning of Yoshi Miyuki!"

Mai shot Bou-san a quick glance, hoping to get him to talk now that she could hear herself think again, but the monk merely brought a finger to his lips and looked back up at the stage.

"This as been a night of inspiration and...love," she added, allowing a pause for the large sigh from the crowd, "and I'm sure there are many wonderful women in attendance tonight, but only one can be crowned as the beautiful Yoshi Miyuki and join last night's newly crowned Mr. Miyuki- Niko Koku."

Mai felt her mouth go dry once again as Niko stepped forward on the stage, greeted by enthusiastic cheers and applause. Warily Mai glanced around, hoping no one recognized her. Fortunately everyone seemed to be focused on the young man waving to them all. From somewhere in the crowd loud shouts were heard,

"THAT'S MY GRANDSON!"

"HIS FIANCE BETTER JOIN HIM AS YOSHI, HE'S CHOSEN A REAL LOOKER."

Turning red Mai looked down at her four miserable lilies with great relief,

There's no way I'll be crowned Yoshi.

"Have you enjoyed this night? I hear there is someone special to you in this crowd," the woman went on, looking to Niko knowingly.

Even from all the way up on stage it could be seen that the young man had turned a few shades pinker,

"There are a lot of people special to me here tonight," he answered carefully.

"Very well then," the woman relented, smiling amusedly, "shall we crown your wife?"

There was a murmur of good-natured laughter which even the blushing Niko joined in.

Bou-san sent Mai a side long glance that she ignored, staring straight ahead, attempting not to make eye contact with Niko.

"All jokes aside, being crowned Yoshi is a great honor for any woman," the young woman went on once the crowd had settled down again, "Receiving the most lilies tonight means that you were the most inspiring and beautiful of all the ladies here and the number of lilies you have received will be proof of that. So let's not wait a moment longer, ladies gather your lilies."

Mai glanced uncertainly to the women standing around her. With looks of self importance they were taking care to gather up and adjust there bunches of lilies. Just a few feet away Mai could see Ayako frowning down at her fistful, plucking away an unruly petal from one of her lilies.

A handful is better than four...

Right beside the miko was Masako. With much exaggerated movements she switched arms with her tidy bunch of lilies which probably neared a dozen.

And an armful is even better than a fistful...

While questioning just how her rival had managed to collect so many lilies in the short time that she had been gone, Bou-san broke into her thoughts,

"Do you think if I ran fast, I could pick some more for you and be back in time for you to show them?" he wondered, his eyes sparkling at her playfully.

Mai sighed and smiled up at him,

"Thanks Bou-san, but I think it's best this way, the last thing I want is to be announced as Niko's wife."

"What, you mean your not?"

Mai narrowed her eyes at the monk,

"I told you already-"

"Oh. That's right, I forgot- he just wanted to be friends..." Bou-san went on, shooting Mai a look.

"That's what he said," Mai argued, glaring into his newly forming smile, "Maybe if you would tell me what Naru said-"

Just then the woman began to speak again and the monk pursed his lips and looked back up at the stage apparently entranced.

That Bou-san.

"Okay, now the moment you've all been waiting for- the rise of the lily. Ladies I will call out a number, if you have that many lilies in your possession then raise your bouquet, we'll continue on until only one woman remains-"

"What if there's a tie?" Bou-san whispered, seeming to find his voice again.

Mai shrugged and shook her head, how would they decide then?

"-then that woman is this year's Yoshi, are we ready?" the woman asked, answered by eager cheers, "Good! We'll start at...four!"

Four.

Slowly Mai's gaze dropped down to the four lilies in her hand. They suddenly felt heavy, burning away at her palm. Her whole right arm hung defiantly at her side, refusing to be raised.

Bou-san, keeping a close eye on her, watched as a small young woman behind Mai raised her arm, showing her four lilies as proudly as if she had four dozen. Setting his mouth, the monk reached for Mai's hand, and before she could protest, rose her arm up for all to see.

Bou-san- !

Mai opened her mouth to protest, attempting to free her hand from his grasp, but it was no use, he just looked back at her with an unaffected smile. Jerking her arm helplessly, Mai caught sight of Masako peering over at her, a look of triumph on her face that no sleeve could hide, and lacking a sleeve that particular night- there was nothing between Mai and her rival's delight. Looking away before she could see Ayako's amused expression Mai turned back to the monk with a glare,

"Bou-san-" she objected, with another forceful tug.

"What? You have four, show them proud!" he encouraged brightly, holding up her hand higher.

"You're embarrassing me; this is nothing to be proud of!"

"Tell that to her," he remarked, glancing at someone she couldn't see.

Feeling flustered, Mai looked over her shoulder and caught sight of a petite young woman about her age, holding up her small bunch up with beaming pride. Mai flushed and faced the stage once more. Bad idea. In that moment she locked eyes with Niko. He offered her a small smile which she returned weakly, her face nearly catching on fire.

"Alright," the woman on stage continued, glancing briefly in the direction of Mai and Bou-san's struggling figures, "how about six?"

With her arm becoming sore, a numbing sensation spreading into her shoulder, Mai was abruptly released from the monk's hold. Ahead of them a few women raised their arms in the air of their own free will. Feeling the blood returning to her arm with a prickly warm rush, Mai glared out of the corner of her eye at the monk who stood beside her satisfied.

"Don't look at me like that," he said still staring up at the stage.

With a frown Mai flexed her fingers,

"My arm is half dead thanks to you."

The monk broke his gaze from the stage,

"Oh, never mind what you did to my arm-"

Mai narrowed her eyes and gave him a push,

"Oy- should I raise your arm again?" Bou-san cried, rubbing his sore shoulder.

Mai crossed her arms tightly to be safe,

"You shouldn't have raised it in the first place."

"It wasn't that bad," Bou-san remarked looking to her unconvinced.

"Yes, it was," Mai answered stubbornly.

"Okay, how about nine?" the woman on stage spoke as the women with six lilies lowered their arms.

Mai watched on as twice as many arms rose in their place. A blush creeping up over her neck, Mai glanced down the way to see Ayako raising her arm. Masako stood beside the miko, absently adjusting her larger bunch. Mai frowned and found herself crushing her own lilies again,

That Masako.

"Ayako managed nine," Mai remarked, forcing herself to look away from her rival and back to the monk.

"Yeah, I guess so. She could of had twice that if she'd done a lot more eye batting and a lot less talking," he replied, his eye's moving to the priestess, her arm held proudly in the air.

"You mean you didn't see her receive those lilies?" Mai asked, cocking her head at him, smiling slightly.

The monk blinked and looked back to Mai with an eyebrow raised,

"No, I was out looking for you," he answered matter-of-factly.

"Actually," Mai went on thoughtfully, pointedly ignoring the monk beside her, "it makes sense. Imagine how many lilies Ayako missed out on because of your hovering?"

"I wasn't hovering, I was out looking for-"

"I'm a lily short because of you, and then I lost another with Naru-" Mai winced as soon as the words left her mouth.

The monk's eyebrows rose further up on his head,

"Naru too?"

"It's one of those blank spots," Mai explained simply, looking back to the stage to escape Bou-san's curious gaze.

"Over my dead body."

Mai blinked and snapped her attention back to the monk,

"Excuse me?"

"Over my dead body," he repeated, "That's what Naru said."

Mai's lips parted in surprise, she stared at Bou-san with confusion,

"I- what?"

Smirking, the monk just shrugged,

"I don't know anything beyond that. One moment they're discussing Niko's proposal to you, the next moment Naru's out of his seat and storming out of the room. It was under his breath, but I know I heard him say it as he passed me: over my dead body."

Mai felt her face burn, her heart pounding in her chest. Bou-san placed a steadying hand on her shoulder,

"You're not gonna faint on me, are you?" he teased, amusement plain on his face.

Mai shrugged off his hand and shook her head, more to clear her mind than deny fainting; she was feeling a bit light headed...

A strange sort of giddy excitement filled her, replacing her momentary panic. A small smile pulled at her lips,

"He said that? Are you sure?"

Bou-san eyed her uncertainly,

"If I say yes, are you going to start doing that giggling thing girls do?"

Mai's smile vanished and she nudged the monk in the side,

"No, now answer me."

"Okay," he replied, still observing her carefully, "I'm positive that's what I heard. What it means- hard to say, although I have some ideas..."

Her mind whirling, her emotions moving in and out of confusion and delight, she barely noticed the woman on stage announcing the next number of lilies,

"Alright, we're nearing the end here; is there a dozen out there?"

Mirroring the beginning of this ceremony, only a few hands rose into the air. One of them was Masako's. Mai glanced around to see if she could spot the medium's rival for the crown, and caught sight of two more bouquets in the air. One was made up of only roses.

Nari.

Mai frowned and her gaze found Mr. Sachi, but the playwright's attention wasn't on his actress, it was on the third and final contender: Miss Miyuki.

Bou-san looked down at Mai and the two shared a look.

This isn't going to be good.

"Well, it seems we have more than one complete bouquet..." the woman on stage began, looking down at the three women in surprise, "this happens only rarely, but we do have a way to decide."

The woman stood to the side and gestured towards Niko,

"Mr. Miyuki, please pick your wife."

Niko blinked, startled at suddenly having to make such an important decision. Uncertainly he walked to the edge of the stage and looked down on the mass of people below him, three elegant arms held into the air.

As Mai looked up at his nervous figure his eyes met hers and she knew in that moment that he wished he could pick her. With perfect timing his grandparents drove this idea home,

"THIS IS A CONSPIRACY! HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PICK WHOEVER HE WANTS AS HIS WIFE!"

"THESE OTHER WOMEN JUST BATTED THEIR EYES AND GIGGLED INTO THEIR SLEEVES TO GET THOSE LILES, WHAT'S INSPIRATING ABOUT THAT?"

Despite the furious blush raging over her features, Mai couldn't help a small satisfied smile sent Masako's way. The medium briefly caught her look, then pointedly ignored her, smoothing her dress self consciously. Standing behind her and to the left was Nari. The actress stood holding up her roses with a glowing face, though occasionally her gaze would drop to the medium and her cheeks would color.

That Masako.

Even farther towards the right and up close to the stage stood the refined Miss Miyuki, her creamy skin continuing up to the pale bouquet she held, a testament of her beauty. Mai focused once again on Niko,

Who will he chose?

"Have you made your decision?" the woman asked with anticipation.

Niko managed a weak smile, "I have."

There was a pause as the young man looked once again at his choices, then drew in a deep breath,

"Nari Motoshi."

The silence was suddenly filled with loud applause. Mai broke into a genuine smile, looking back at the actress, who let out a cry of surprise.

"Joji! Joji- can you believe it?" she exclaimed as she was being hurried up to stage, passing the playwright.

He managed a kind smile,

"Good for you, Nari!"

Mai's eyes quickly found Masako, hoping to savor the look of disappointment on the medium's face, but was stunned to find her rival looking rather composed, clapping along with the crowd.

"Nari Motoshi, this year's Yoshi Miyuki!" the woman announced from the stage as the actress climbed up, accepting a hand from Niko.

The applause carried on, several people from the crowd whistling. Blushing and smiling brightly, Nari waved down at her adoring audience.

"Any last words before we get you backstage and ready for your performance?" the woman wondered, looking to the delighted actress.

Nari paused in her waving to glance at Niko,

"Yes, actually," she answered, smiling kindly at the heir to the Koku Inn, "This is the first time I have ever received this honor, thank you very much."

Niko smiled and lowered his gaze,

"You're very welcome."

"What a wonderful end to this evening's ceremony. There you have it Nozomi, Mr. and Mrs. Miyuki!"

Nari and Niko bowed their heads to the cheering mass of people and then silently began to file off the stage, Nari still waving all the way. Mai glanced at Mr. Sachi and caught sight of him lowering his hand, a strange sort of smile on his face.

Her ears ringing and her hands stinging from all the clapping she had just done, Mai peered through the breaks in the crowd, trying to glimpse Miss Miyuki's reaction to all this, but the woman was no where to be seen.

"You'll have to excuse me, I must give the introduction for tonight's play," Mr. Sachi was saying, reluctantly releasing Masako's arm, "I'll be back."

No one objected to his departure and with that the playwright cut through the crowd, disappearing in the direction of the stage.

"Okay, your turn," Bou-san spoke up, nudging Mai in the side.

"My turn...?" she repeated, watching Mr. Sachi leave distractedly.

"Hey, don't even try that. This is an even trade, your blanks spots for mine," the monk persisted.

Mai came to and looked to Bou-san with slight annoyance,

"You want to hear it now?"

The monk crossed his arms and stared down at her,

"You couldn't wait."

Mai frowned, sending a quick look in Naru's direction. Her boss was currently absorbed in a conversation with Lin,

"Fine, but if any of this is over heard..." Mai went on, looking up at the monk warningly.

"I'm waiting Mai," Bou-san urged stubbornly.

"I went looking for a food stand," Mai began, lowering her voice so that the monk had to move closer to hear her, "...then things got interesting."

Curiosity filled the monk's eyes,

"Like what?"

Mai pursed her lips, stealing another glance in Naru's direction,

"I got separated from the crowds and found this empty space, just outside the festival grounds, I thought I was alone, but-"

Mai paused again; Masako was talking to Naru now, smiling and batting her eyes at him. Mai felt her blood pressure rise. Bou-san followed her gaze, then took her shoulders to get her to focus again,

"Don't get distracted, who was out there with you?"

Grudgingly Mai returned her attention to the monk and her story,

"Uh- oh, right. I heard voices. One of them belonged to Mr. Sachi and the other was a woman's."

Bou-san leaned back and blinked at her,

"That's it, Mai? Just Mr. Sachi out wooing Nari? Maybe you should be relating this bit of gossip to Masako..."

"Bou-san," Mai protested, pulling on his sleeve to draw him near again, "the woman wasn't Nari."

The monk looked into her serious eyes unfazed,

"Alright, Mr. Sachi's a busy guy. Like I said, Masako's over there-"

Mai swatted his shoulder and ignored his cry of pain,

"You're missing the big picture, Bou-san. What was Mr. Sachi doing out there with some random woman in the dark?"

A slow smile spread over the monk's lips,

"Let's see here Mai, it's the night of love and he's alone in the dark with a woman. I'll give you two guesses."

Mai let out a frustrated sigh,

"Bou-san this is serious-"

"I know," he agreed, adopting a grave look, "someone needs to let Masako and Nari know that Sachi's running around on them."

Mai frowned and crossed her arms,

"You're impossible."

"Well, sorry if my interest in Mr. Sachi's generous heart is lacking, but rest assured my concern isn't, let go break the news to Masako-"

"If you would just let me finish," Mai objected, yanking on his arm to stop him, "Mr. Sachi wasn't just out there to- whatever you think he was doing. From my hiding place I heard him say-"

Released from her painful grip, the monk observed her with raised eyebrows,

"You were hiding? Why?"

Mai brushed self consciously at her kimono,

"I don't know, my intuition I guess. But that's not the point, something was off, he seemed uneasy-"

"That can happen when you're cheating."

"He was whispering with her-"

"That's advisable if you don't want to get caught."

"He mentioned theaters and expenses-"

"Mai, he is a playwright, you gotta talk about something in between kissing."

"And he handed her something-"

"Even you can guess what it was."

"Bou-san," Mai said, growing red in the face, "you weren't there, he was acting suspicious."

The monk smiled back at her frustrated glare,

"That's because he was doing something suspicious, cheating is very suspicious. Now, we better wait on mentioning this to Nari, she having such a great night and all-"

"I would have heard more," Mai went on speaking over him, "but then Naru had to show up-"

"Naru?" Bou-san repeated, his interest recaptured.

Mai narrowed her eyes at the monk and avoided his knowing look,

"Nothing more happened after that; he let them get away-"

"Are you sure Mr. Sachi didn't see you? You couldn't have been hiding very well if Naru found you-"

"I was hiding just fine. Naru just appeared out of nowhere like he always does and ruined it by dragging me away-"

"He drug you away?" Bou-san wondered, looking on at her bemusedly, "Like manhandling?"

Mai flushed a deeper shade of red, but was fortunately spared answering that by Mr. Sachi's magnified voice.

"Hello, Nozomi!"

Applause was stirred at the sight of the playwright. Mai clapped, exchanging a look with Bou-san,

"Well, if it isn't the playboy himself..."

"Bou-san, shhh," Mai hissed, "No one can know."

"Does Naru know?" he questioned, raising a challenging eyebrow at her,

"No, so please keep it to yourself," Mai answered, staring hard up at the stage as to avoid the amused look on the monk's face.

"I see. Fine, your secret safe with me."

Mai sent him a side long glare,

"It isn't my secret."

"But you're keeping it," Bou-san argued, crossing his arms.

Mai heaved a sighed and faced the monk fully,

"I'll tell Naru...eventually. But for now, can we keep this between us, please?"

Bou-san nodded,

"Okay, okay...I promise."

The two shared a small smile before their attention returned to the stage and Mr. Sachi.

"This is my favorite part of the festival," the playwright went on, joining the crowd in a rumble of laughter before continuing, "Tonight's play follows the romantic meeting of our Mr. Miyuki and his beautiful and inspiring, Yoshi. Prepare to be captivated by their moving love story, acted in part by our very own Yoshi Miyuki- Nari Motoshi, please enjoy!"

The crowd erupted in more applause as the lights around the stage dimmed and Mr. Sachi exited. In the few still moments before the opening notes, Mai was reminded of just how late it was. Above her millions of stars kept watch on all of Nozomi, a warm current blew across the festival grounds, strangely quiet and empty as everyone was gathered around the stage. And then came a long note off a violin, soon joined by a cello. The stage was suddenly lit and there Nari stood, an artistic idea of a forest filling the space around her.

"Now, where's the bed of lilies I've been sent to find..."

Nari's voice rang high and clear out over the audience. With grace she moved about the stage. Mai could see the light in her eyes and the glow on cheeks all the way from where she stood, the woman was truly blissful and it showed.

She won't stay that way if Bou-san's right, Mai thought darkly, frowning over at the vacant spot at Masako's side.

But was Bou-san right? Mai closed her eyes and attempted to focus harder on what exactly she had seen that night. It had only been too easy for the monk to turn what she seen into some secret love triangle, so why didn't she agree? Why did she still feel like there was another reason Mr. Sachi was out there with the woman? Why did she wish she could have heard more of their conversation, if it was only to be filled with sweet nothings?

Mai opened her eyes, the pressure of her thoughts weighting her down. It was no use, what she was feeling and what she saw were two different things.

Up on stage another actor was embracing Nari, murmuring words of love,

"My darling, let us never part..."

"My dear Joji, how I love you," Nari declared as she was released from the man's embrace.

Joji?

Mai blinked, stunned, as an audible gasp broke over the crowd.

Bou-san sent her a dark look which Mai returned, her cheeks reddening.

Poor Nari!

After a pause the actor she was with recovered and took up her hands in his,

"I- I love you too, my dear Yoshi..."

There was another pause, presumably it was Nari's line, but she appeared to be frozen in place, her face as pale as ash. At a loss at what to do, the actor did the only think he could think of and held her in his arms once again. The lights dimmed for the change of scene and the audience was left in a hush of shock.

With a hand covering her mouth Mai looked over to Bou-san who let out a long breath,

"Well, it's not like nobody knew," he whispered helplessly.

To her right Mai caught sight of someone pushing way through the crowd. Mr. Sachi finally broke through to join Masako.

"My dear, sorry it took so long," he greeted her, appearing entirely unaffected.

The medium looked to him silently, her lips forming a thin line.

"He doesn't seem...bothered," Mai murmured, watching the playwright take Masako's arm, looking up at the stage with anticipation, as if he couldn't wait for a good show.

"Why would he be? He's got Nari singing his praises."

Mai nudged the monk with a frown,

"Mr. Sachi's not calculated Bou-san; this is all just some big, terrible, coincidence."

"It's a coincidence that three women are involved with him?"

Mai shot the monk a disbelieving look,

"Where do you get three?"

The monk grinned down at her knowingly,

"Nari, Masako, and...mystery woman."

Mai returned his look with a relenting sigh,

"Fine, three, but I still say it's coincidence."

Just then the lights brightened and the stage was lit once more. The silence in the audience was absolute, as though holding its breath, awaiting Nari's first lines. On cue the woman glided across the floor,

"Oh Takuya, this theater...it's stunning."

That was it. The crowd released its breath and the tension broke. The actor portraying Mr. Miyuki joined her, relief written upon his face,

"My dear this is ours now, I can inspire others as you have inspired me..."

The play progressed uneventfully. The final scene was an overly dramatic recount of the Miyuki wedding, the notes from the band swelling as Yoshi kissed her new husband. The stage darkened, with the music still ringing in her ears, Mai joined the crowd in applauding a satisfying performance.

The stage was lit again so that the actors and actresses could take their final bow. Mai glanced towards the cause of half the confusion that night. A few feet away Mr. Sachi stood with bright smile on his face, was clapping harder than anyone else around,

That Mr. Sachi.

Lowering his hands the monk followed Mai's gaze,

"No shame, huh?"

Mai frowned as she watched the playwright join arms once again with Masako,

"None."

The actors left the stage and slowly the applause around them subsided. A low murmur filled Mai's ears as the crowd began discussing the play, or rather Nari's performance. Behind her someone gasped and giggled,

"Can you believe she said Joji?!"

Mai bit her lip and resisted the urged to turn around tell off who ever was being so insensitive, but Bou-san gently took hold of her arm.

"Hm?" Mai wondered as she fought the temptation to send a glare over her shoulder.

"We should probably join the others," the monk suggested, glancing towards the playwright and the rest of SPR. Mai sighed and nodded, she wanted anything but to face Mr. Sachi...and Naru.

"See here, now we can get some more opinions," the playwright declared as Mai and Bou-san approached, "What did you two think of tonight's show?"

"I thought Nari was great," Mai answered, unable to keep a slight insinuating tone from her voice.

"She was, for sure," Mr. Sachi remarked and then looked to the monk,

"I agree with Mai," Bou-san said simply, sharing a brief glance with her.

The playwright smiled, feeling that there was something he was missing, but couldn't understand what.

Standing across from them, Mai felt Naru's gaze burning into her. Mai swallowed and stared down at her feet, her face steadily growing warmer.

Over my dead body.

"If that's it for tonight, we should head back," Naru spoke, his voice raising the hairs on the back of Mai's neck, she practically glared in concentration at a rock near Bou-san foot.

"Oh yes, very good idea. We don't want to be late for the meeting," the playwright consented, drawing Masako to his side.

Mai blinked and despite her determination not to look up, risked a glance at Naru, to stare surprised at Mr. Sachi,

A meeting?

"What meeting?" Naru spoke, eyeing the playwright sharply.

Mr. Sachi looked to them all,

"Didn't you know? Day three's meeting is always held the night before."

"It works for me, there's no way I'm getting up at the crack of dawn again," Ayako muttered and with that she started to make for the Inn, following the steady trickle of people there.

"About that," Mr. Sachi tried to interject, but the miko ignored him, "uh, I guess she'll find out for herself soon enough..."

"We really should be going," he urged the rest of them.

Finally the group began to move out, John falling into step by Mai's side. The two of them shared a silent smile.

"Are you okay?" the priest asked quietly as they passed through the emptying grounds.

"I'm okay, it's just been...a long night. You?"

"Good, actually."

Feeling calmer than she had all night, Mai's eyes shined at him teasingly,

"You had some interesting company earlier..."

John coughed, bit of pink coloring his cheeks,

"Masako and I met them a few days ago; they seemed to have taken...a liking to me."

Mai lips twitched as she tried not to laugh,

"I noticed."

Sharing in another smile, the two of them passed under the many strands of lilies strung up over entrance to the festival grounds. A few remaining clouds from the rain earlier that day broke free of the moon, letting it cast a pale glow over the flat landscape of Nozomi. Mai watched as her shadow stretched out before her, long and lean. Then another shadow came to mind, Naru.

I hope this meeting isn't anything like this morning's.

Her cheeks flushing pink, they approached the Inn. Nearly as noisy and chaotic as the festival grounds, Mai held onto Bou-san's arm tightly as they followed Naru and Mr. Sachi into the swarming building. Perfume and cologne mingled in the air with the sweet scent of lilies. The concoction was almost dizzying and Mai found herself longing to be out in the open again.

"I didn't know the Koku's had enough rooms for all these people," Bou-san commented, speaking with a raised voice to be heard over the murmur around them.

"Me either," Mai answered, ducking to avoid the elbow of the man squeezing by her.

Feeling suffocated by the heat and the close quarters of the halls, Mai was never happier than when she heard Mr. Sachi announce that the meetings were starting in the same large rooms as that morning.

"Here," Bou-san said, depositing Mai near Ayako, "I'll see you in a bit."

Mai nodded and let go of his arm reluctantly. Without her anchor she found herself already getting pushed around,

"Have a good meeting," Mai called to him, meaning in her tone, as he joined John down the hall.

With a quick grin the monk looked back at her,

"I'll be sure to keep my ears open."

Noticing Ayako's curious stare, Mai feigned interest in her sleeve.

"What was that about?" the miko prodded.

Mai looked up with a shrug,

"Who knows..."

The priestess narrowed her eyes unconvinced, but never got the chance to persist because in that moment Masako walked up,

"Are we ready?"

"After you," Mai answered quickly, gesturing the medium forward.

Masako paused a moment, eyeing her rival carefully, but then moved on, gliding ahead of them. Ayako and Mai followed after, sharing an uncomfortable silence- the miko wanting her to speak, Mai unwilling.

Behind them and filling the hall before them were many of the women present at the festival that night. Many of them still carried their lilies and almost all were giggling,

"I don't know what I like better, tonight or tomorrow morning..."

"I know, I hope I can catch Noburo before Kasumi does."

Mai frowned uncertainly, just what was day three?

"WELCOME BACK, JUST IN HERE- THERE YOU GO..."

Mai winced. Mrs. Koku's voice carried out of the room and rang loudly in Mai's ears. Could she face the old woman?

"Ayako, I'm not feeling well...could you tell me about the meeting tomorrow?"

The miko smirked evilly,

"Nice try, but everyone has to face their in-laws sometime."

Mai crossed her arms and leered over at the priestess,

"They're not my in-laws."

"You be sure to tell them that," the miko remarked, with a wink as they entered the crowded room.

Fuming, Mai kept her head down, searching desperately for a seat in the back of the room.

"MAI!"

Nearly jumping out of her skin, Mai was forced to grab the chair beside her.

"LOOKING FOR A SEAT?" the old woman shouted, her wrinkled face observing Mai with a strange smile.

Mai smiled back weakly, feeling unnerved.

"WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THIS ONE?" the ancient woman persisted, her smile growing wider- a glint in her eye, daring Mai to refuse as she pointed to a chair in the front row.

The room had gone relatively silent. Mai swallowed and turned to begin the long walk to the front of the room. Feeling the keen old woman's eyes on her every step of the way, Mai fought to keep a composed expression. Once Mai had stiffly set herself in the suggested seat, the old woman looked to the rest of her audience.

"GOOD EVENING LADIES," she greeted, her voice loud enough to be heard clearly in the next room.

"Good evening," was murmured back in a much quieter tone.

"I HOPE WE ALL HAVE HAD AN EVENTFUL NIGHT," Mrs. Koku went on, her eyes practically pinning Mai to her seat as she spoke the last part.

There were more giggles at this and then the room quieted down again.

"IT'S LATE SO I'M GOING TO MAKE THIS QUICK. TOMORROW, AS YOU ALL KNOW, IS DAY THREE OF THE FESTIVAL. SINCE WE NOW HAVE OUR MR. MIYUKI AND MRS. MIYUKI CROWNED, IT IS NATURAL THAT THE THEME MOVES FROM LOVE TO MARRIAGE-" at this the old woman paused to shoot Mai a significant glance.

Mai shifted in her seat, her cheeks growing warm as she was sure the rest of the room was looking at her as well, she even thought she heard Ayako snort.

"SO TOMORROW IS A DAY OF UNION, AND WHEN I SAY DAY, I MEAN IT. THE FESTIVAL STARTS AT FIRST LIGHT AND ONLY ENDS AFTER THE NIGHT'S PLAY. I SUPPOSE SOME OF YOU ARE WONDERING WHAT IT IS THAT YOU MUST DO TO SYMBOLIZE MARRIAGE? ESSENTIALLY TOMORROW IS THE MERGING OF MR. MIYUKI'S CREATIVITY WITH YOSHI'S INSPRIATION. A PERFECT MATCH, AND THAT IS EXACTLY YOUR GOAL. AS SOON AS YOU WAKE YOU MUST FIND THE ONE PERSON WHO COMPLETES YOU, YOUR PERFECT MATCH," the old woman stared down at Mai, giving her a long look which even gave some of Naru's potent glares a run for their money.

"THUS ALL THIS WILL CREATE THE BEST UNION. NOW YOU MIGHT BE THINKING- FINE, EASY. BUT YOU'RE VERY WRONG! LET'S SAY YOU LOVE SHOYA; YOU TWO ARE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN. SO YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING AND HEAD OVER THERE, YOU KNOCK ON HIS DOOR AND SUMIKO OPENS IT. SHE HAS BEATEN YOU TO SHOYA. THAT IS THE REALITY OF THIS DAY OF UNION. THIS IS THE RULE AND IT IS A VERY BIG RULE: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. THERE IS NO SLEEPING IN TOMORROW LADIES," the ancient woman announced not without some enjoyment as a few of the women frowned.

Ayako's sigh of annoyance was loud enough to be heard across the room. She would be waking up at the crack of dawn after all.

"IN CASE SOME OF YOU ARE STILL LOST ON WHAT'S SO URGENT ABOUT TOMORROW, LET ME GIVE YOU A GLIMPSE OF WHAT THE HALLS OF THIS INN WILL LOOK LIKE COME MORNING: CHAOS. THERE WILL NOT BE A SINGLE PERSON IN THEIR ROOM. IT WILL BE A MAD DASH TO FIND YOUR OTHER HALF BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE FINDS YOUR OTHER HALF. I STILL SEE THAT SOME OF YOU AREN'T ALL THAT BOTHERED, WELL LET'S CONSIDER THE ONE BIG RULE ONE MORE TIME: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE GOING BY THIS, THE MEN ARE TOO, AND YOU KNOW WHAT- THEY MIGHT WANT YOU FIRST. SO HERE YOU ARE, RUNNING FOR SHOYA TOMORROW MORNING WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN KEN COMES RUNNING UP- AND THEN THAT IS IT. KEN IS YOURS FOR THE DAY," Mrs. Koku chuckled softly at the pale faces staring back at her, the idea of being stuck with Ken when they wanted Shoya, not to their liking.

"THE FIRST PERSON TO ASK FOR YOUR HAND TOMORROW IS THE PERSON YOU MUST ACCEPT. YOUR GOAL IS TO FIND THE PERFECT MATCH, YES- BUT IT DOESN'T ALWAYS GO THAT WAY. YOUR IDEA OF A PERFECT MATCH WAS SHOYA, AND KEN'S IDEA WAS YOU. ARE WE UNDERSTANDING NOW?" There were a few weak nods. The old woman smiled satisfied,

"GOOD. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT YOU GET UP EARLY TOMORROW AND GET TO THE PERSON YOU MATCH BEST FIRST, WHILE MAKING SURE SOMEONE ELSE DOESN'T TRY AND MATCH UP TO YOU," Mrs. Koku's smirk grew wider at the sight of her uncomfortable audience.

"GOOD MATCHES ARE SEEN AS ASPICIOUS AND LUCKY, BAD MATCHES, WHICH USUALLY RESULT FROM RUNNING INTO SOMEONE YOU DIDN'T WANT TO BE PAIRED WITH, ARE SEEN AS TROUBLESOME AND UNLUCKY. THE BEST UNION OF TOMORROW WILL BE RECONGNIZED THAT NIGHT AS THE PERFECT MARRIAGE OF CREATIVITY AND INSPRIATION. SO GO OUT TOMORROW AND FIND THAT ONE PERSON WHO COMPLIMENTS YOUR CREATIVITY WITH INSPIRATION AND YOUR INSPIRATION WITH CREATIVITY. GO AND CREATE THAT PERFECT MARRIAGE AND REMEMBER THE BIG RULE: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE."

These final words were met with nervous applause. Excitement and tension hung thick in the air as the women pictured that one person special to them...and who would try and beat them to him tomorrow morning. Her mouth dry, Mai glanced back at Masako. For a moment their gazes locked. The medium smiled coolly and Mai returned it with a brittle one of her own,

That Masako.

"WELL, I SUPPOSE THAT'S ALL FOR TONIGHT. I WISH YOU ALL LUCK COME MORNING," Mrs. Koku declared, dismissing them all with a large grin.

All except Mai. Slowly standing up, hoping to melt away with the crowd, she was stopped when the old woman spoke,

"Niko's room is located in the back half of the Inn."

Mai blinked, glancing stunned at the Inn owner as though she had shouted, but it was just the opposite, she had spoken softly. Mai looked over her shoulder, no one else had heard this exchange. After a moment the old woman took leave of Mai with a look that seemed to say, you know what to do-- and a nod. It was all Mai could do not to sink back into her chair.

"Coming?" a voice from behind her asked.

It was Ayako, a smooth smile spread out across her red lips. Mai stood up straight and with a frown led the way out the door, closely followed by an amused priestess and a thoughtful medium. Moving slowly through the congested hall, Mai heard plenty of whispers.

"I'm going to sleep outside of Akito's door tonight; it's the only way I'll avoid Daichi asking for my hand tomorrow!"

"Daichi? Eww. I hope I'm not stuck with someone horrible."

Mai stared hard at the wooden floor she walked over, attempting to block out any more conversation.

Niko.

Naru.

Lost in her thoughts, Mai barely noticed who was walking towards them until she nearly ran into Bou-san.

"Easy Mai, trying to take me out?" he teased, coming face to face with her.

"Oh- sorry Bou-san..." Mai mumbled, stepping back.

"How about that meeting ladies?" Mr. Sachi wondered, coming up and taking Masako's arm with a meaningful look.

Mai pursed her lips, refusing to comment. Fortunately she was not pressed for an answer as Naru didn't seem to have the patience for trivial questions,

"If that's all Mr. Sachi, we'll call it a night."

A bit taken a back by Naru's abruptness, the playwright glanced at the women, but then nodded,

"That's everything."

"Good, then you'll excuse us," Naru commented, looking to the rest of SPR expectantly.

"Sure, good night to you all. I think I'll be seeing you early tomorrow."

As Mai turned to go, this last sentence halted her.

Who will Mr. Sachi pick? Masako? Nari? The mystery woman...but he can't.

A warm hand came to rest on Mai's shoulder, looking up she saw Bou-san staring kindly down at her,

"If you need any re-enforcement tomorrow..."

Mai smiled,

"I'll know where to find you."

Mai's smile vanished in the next moment when a familiar voice reached her ears,

"Good night...Naru, thank you for the lily," Masako said, standing firm as the playwright attempted to usher her out the door.

Naru turned to face her, offering her a slight nod,

"You're welcome."

Pink creeping over her cheeks and red blazing Mai's, Masako finally allowed Mr. Sachi to lead her away.

That Masako.

The halls growing empty, the group moved through with relative ease.

"Any news?" Mai whispered to he monk, half afraid of the answer, her eyes trained on Naru's dark figure walking ahead of them.

A smirk came to Bou-san's lips,

"Nothing to report except twice the normal glares."

Mai let out a relieved breath; she had had more than enough surprises for one night. John fell into step beside them, appearing in deep thought. With a slight frown, Mai touched his shoulder,

"John?"

The priest blinked and looked to her warmly,

"I'm fine. Just thinking is all..."

Mai nodded. She was doing a lot of that too.

"Thank you again John, for my lily," she added after walking a while more, watching a couple kiss goodnight.

Turning her head away with a blush, she caught the priest's humble smile,

"You're very welcome Mai."

On her other side the monk made a huffing noise,

"He wasn't the only one to give you a lily, but I see how you are..."

"Hm...you're right Bou-san; there was that other guy..." Mai answered looking thoughtful, but her eyes sparkled playfully.

The monk shot her a look,

"Thanks."

With a sigh, Mai summoned up the most dramatic expression of gratitude she could and took Bou-san's arm,

"Thank you Bou-san, for my lily and hair clip."

The monk looked down at her,

"That's more like it."

Sharing in a grin, Mai noticed the numbers on the doors begin to lower, twenty-two, twenty-one, nineteen...

Room eighteen loomed ahead. With purposefully strides, Ayako passed the three of them.

"As fun as all this has been, I'm going to have to say goodnight," the miko said, reaching for her door handle, her eyes pointedly avoiding the monk.

But, as Mai noticed- stealing a look his way- Bou-san's gaze wasn't avoiding the priestess.

"Goodnight," Mai and John echoed as the miko made to shut herself in her room.

The lighting in the hall was dim, but Mai could have sworn a slight blush touched the woman's cheeks. Mai nudged the monk and he let out a belated, "night" as the door shut in their faces.

"What?" he shrugged at Mai's hard look.

Shaking her head she looked away the monk,

Sometimes Bou-san...

Their small group continued on in thoughtful silence, following Naru's lead. A moment later room seventeen came along,

"Tonight was nice. You enjoyed it, didn't you Mai?" John wondered as they approached his door.

Mai smiled as brightly as she could, hoping Mr. Sachi and all she saw that night didn't reflect in her eyes as she gazed back at the priest,

"I did, but you owe me a dance," she protested lightly.

John smiled, a faint blush coming to his cheeks. Looking back into his blue eyes, she knew he was recalling his dance with Masako,

"I'll be sure to make it up to you," he promised.

John reached his room and opened the door,

"Good night," he wished with a kind smile.

"Good night," Mai and Bou-san answered.

The door to room seventeen closed and Mai and Bou-san continued on.

"I wish I knew what they talk about," Mai murmured, glancing up at Naru and Lin, some feet ahead of them, appearing to be in deep conversation.

The monk gave her a side long look, a slight smile coming to his lips,

"Oh, I have a guess."

"Bou-san!" Mai protested, her face flushing red as she gave him a shove.

Her cry caught Naru's attention; he paused speaking with Lin to glance back at the two of them. Bou-san grinned back at him and Mai turned a shade darker.

"Thanks a lot," Mai said in a lowered voice, narrowing her eyes at the monk, who held up his hands innocently,

"Hey, you're the one who has to go shouting things."

Looking back up the hall, Mai caught sight of Lin disappearing into his room.

"And then there were three," Bou-san said so only Mai could hear as they approached Naru.

He barely gave them a look before continuing on, his mind apparently else where.

"My room's just a few doors down, but I could always escort you to yours if you're not comfortable being left alone, we wouldn't want anymore manhandling going on..."

Turning crimson to the roots of her hair, Mai shoved the monk hard and frowned when he didn't protest. Noticing her dissatisfaction he stated simply,

"Wrong shoulder."

Naru paused at the monk's door and Mai and Bou-san closed the gap, albeit slowly as Mai drug her feet, her face burning with the image the monk put in her head. Grinning all the way, Bou-san glanced down at Mai,

"Last chance..." he offered out of the corner of his mouth.

"Go," she retorted stubbornly, although she found herself gripping the monk's arm.

"Good night," Naru said, with a nod towards Bou-san.

The monk returned the gesture and then pulled Mai into a quick hug,

"Sweet dreams."

"Good night Bou-san," Mai answered, hugging him back.

"Oh, look at Naru. I think he's jealous. Be sure to give him a hug goodnight too," the monk whispered, looking at their boss as he pulled away from Mai, leaving her miserably red.

Unable to fight back, she was forced to watch the monk eye them both knowingly before closing the door.

The silence in the hall was punctured only by the sound of Mai's pounding heart. Swallowing she attempted to gather herself. Naru's gaze fell on her, then he started walking. Mai blinked, fighting down a blush. Words like manhandling and over my dead body spun around in her head, making her feel confused and flustered. Mai gave Bou-san's door one last look before drawing in a deep breath and following after her boss.

People were moving behind the doors she past, she heard music once and imagined a couple dancing, she heard giggles and pictured a bunch of girls counting their lilies, she heard someone say "Mai", and thought of-

Mai came to an abrupt stop, nearing walking straight into Naru. Swiftly he caught her wrist as she stumbled back. Heat emanating from his grasp, it was all she could do not to yank her arm free. Naru released her wrist and looked to her door,

"You were going to walk past your room."

Mai followed his gaze in an effort not to look at him,

"Oh, well..." Mai trailed off, uncertain what to say.

This is ridiculous, why do I feel so uncomfortable? This is Naru- the cold-hearted, ambushing, work-you-to-the-bone, let Masako hang off him- Naru.

"Good night," Mai finished, confidence coming from the spark of annoyance she managed to kindle.

Her angry thoughts and memories had to work on over time in the next moment though, when she met his gaze. Mai told herself the heat creeping up her neck was her just getting worked up and not another blush.

Mai cast a quick glance down the hall, some small part of her hoping Bou-san was coming to save her, and then back to Naru. Realizing that they were standing too close and that she had already said goodnight and should be in her room, Mai reached for her door handle, giving what she hopped to be a departing smile, only her way was blocked- by Naru's arm. Mai's smile fell from her face. Bou-san had warned her about manhandling...

Leaning in ominously, near enough for her to smell the faint scent of tea that hung about him, he looked down at Mai- fortunately though (or not?) his eyes meant business.

"Are you sure you have nothing else to tell me?"

Mai blinked, attempting to regulate her heartbeat as she stood in such close proximity to him, nearly pinned in her own doorway. But the small flame of anger was still lit in her chest,

Why is this question familiar? If he thinks that a surprise interrogation late at night will get him answers he's in for strike two!

Mai frowned back at his accusing stare,

"No nothing- now if you don't mind-"

Naru's arm fell from the doorway and Mai backed a few steps into her dark room. Naru observed her for a moment, an emotion she couldn't quite place residing in his dark eyes, and then he looked away-

"Good night, Mai."

"Night," she answered, but he was already gone.

Slowly Mai closed her door, resting her forehead against the cool wood. With a deep sigh she stared down, surprised to see that she wasn't enveloped in darkness. A white glow lit the room. Mai lifted her head and turned to face the window with the view of the garden. The drapes pulled open from earlier it was letting in the full moon's light, the sliver beams shining brightest on her bed, where something sat, glimmering. Mai squinted in confusion and stepped away from her door.

What..?

Tentatively she approached her bed, unable to believe her eyes. Blinking rapidly Mai came to stand over it, it's delicate petals gleaming as if made of crystal. Her breath hitched somewhere in her throat, Mai reached down to take hold of the mysterious treasure left on her bed. Cupping it in her hands, she was finally forced to acknowledge it was real- she had been given a moon lily.