V 5 ch 4
The Moon Festival
"I can't wait! I can't wait! We get to do the talent show together," Yanagi said as she put her necklace on. Her three charms were already added.
"I'm nervous about it, Yanagi. Ryu's participating, too. He's going to hear me sing," Saori said rather embarrassed. What would Ryu think of her voice? She and Yanagi sang together in their rooms – not in front of others.
"Is Ryu singing? Really? I didn't know he had the voice for it," Yanagi said as she sat outside with Saori. The festival started as soon as the sun started to go down. Last minute preparations were taking place.
"I've never heard Ryu sing. Sasuke sensei talked him into it. He said Ryu has a rock star kind of voice," Saori said dreaming. "I wonder what the prizes are."
"The prize," Yanagi corrected. "There is only one prize being given. It's dinner at the Heaven Café. It's expensive, too. You get to eat culinary food under the stars high in the trees. Whoever wins is going to be very lucky. There are forty people participating in the talent show."
"Forty people? Yanagi, my confidence is slipping." Saori sulked as her best friend patted her back.
An old man wearing a ceremonial robe walked slowly up the steps. He took a breather half-way before continuing. Once he was at the door, he put on his hat. "Every year the turn out gets better and better," he said. The man opened the door. There was complete silence amongst the crowd as he walked out onto the balcony. He looked out at the massive number of people below.
"Welcome young and old; boys and girls; ladies and gentlemen – and the young at heart to the OtoMori village. Our village was founded long ago by a beautiful woman who was carrying her first child. Her name was Aita. Aita and her lover moved way out here where they could live peacefully from war and famine that was plaguing the country.
As the story goes, Aita loved astrology. She named her son Astra and they studied together late into the eve, focusing on the stars and heavens. Astra loved all creatures of the night and found solitude in the darkness with his mother. However, Aita and her family were not immune to the outside world. There were others that soon found their way to our area. Some were good. Some were bad.
Aita and her family were robbed this time of year and killed. Their friends who lived here made a plot that once a year they would celebrate her with a festival like no other. Thus, The Moon Festival was created. Certain events tonight are based on the interest of Aita, Astra, or her husband. Can you decipher which ones? The first person who can tell me which ones belong to whom at the end of the festival, wins a hidden prize," the old man said with a smile. "Enjoy yourselves and the company of each other. Let the Moon Festival begin!" Fireworks popped in the air as all of the star lights came on. Music started to play along the streets. Signs were everywhere directing people what events were happening where.
"The first competition is the pie eating contest," Lee announced to the students. "The ones signed up for this even are Ryu, Masaru, Kandai, myself, and Onari. Apparently Onari understands the word 'eat'." He watched her run around trying to find the area. Ryu and Kandai quickly grabbed her to prevent her from running off. "Alright, if you guys follow me, we'll go. Let the best man or woman win!"
"We look kind of silly holding her hands down the street," Kandai said as he swung Onari's arms. He smiled at her. She was constantly looking around. Every fight or buckle of noise seemed to alert her.
"It's not a big deal. She doesn't know where she is," Ryu said. Someone set off a sparkler for a child and Onari tried to go for it. He kept his grip on her. "No, Onari. We have to stay with our group. We'll get you a sparkler later if you want one."
Onari's yellow eyes looking up at Ryu. The spiky haired boy was watching her to make sure she behaved. "Boy Ryu get Onari fire stick?"
Ryu tilted his head at her. "Sparkler. It's not a fire stick, Onari. It's a sparkler. We'll get you one later if you promise to stay with me and Kandai."
"Ryu get Onari present? Onari be good for Ryu," she said. Onari started to skip. They walked to a set of tables lined up in a row. "What for," she asked pointing at them.
"Just follow us, Onari," Kandai said. They had to show someone the charms on their necklaces to get in. Onari tensed and immediately moved back from the unknown man. "Onari, we have to show him, or we can't go in."
"That's not going to work for her." The man was eying them. "Hold on," Ryu said. There was a line forming behind them. "Onari, can I show him? You don't have to go near him." Onari backed up to him. Ryu showed the man the pie charm. He let them in.
"Wow, look at how many people are here. There sure a lot of tables," Kandai said. He stood on his tip toes to look behind them. "I see Lee sensei with Masaru two rows behind us."
Onari tugged Ryu's sleeve. "Ryu, what Onari do?" She pointed at the pie in front of her. "What is it?"
Ryu blinked. "Onari, who helped you sign up for the events?" She pointed to Lee off in the distance. "Kandai," Ryu said as he pinched the upper part of his nose. "No one explained to her what she's supposed to be doing."
Kandai put his hand on Onari's head so she'd look at him. He pointed to his mouth. "Eating contest. Understand?" Onari nodded slowly. "This is a pie. When that man waves the flag, we start eating. Eat as many as you can to beat everyone. Now what did I say?"
"Onari eat pie. Onari beat Ryu and Kandai. Onari watch man say 'go'. Correct?"
"She's trying. Although, I'm not sure about this," Ryu said. Everyone around them became quiet. They were waiting for the signal. Ryu whispered to Onari, "Just watch me and Kandai. Do what we do."
"Everyone listen up," the man with the flag said. "When I wave this flag, all of you are to start eating the pies in front of you. You must eat everything in the pans to qualify. If you get sick, or stop eating for more than fifteen seconds, you're disqualified. We have people moving up and down the rows in front of you and behind you. They are counting the pies and putting them out. Ready?" The man lifted the flag. He held it high over his head where everyone could see it. His arm went down fast. "Go!"
Ryu bent down and lowered his face mask on contact. As he did, he put one of his hands on the back of Onari's head to get her to copy him. "Eat, Onari. It's a race!" He started eating the pie as fast as he could. Ryu glanced over to see Kandai already finished with one and half-way finished with his second one.
Onari ate the heck out of the strange food she was supposed to eat. It wasn't on her mind to think about what it tasted like. Pie was an odd mushy type of food. After eating three whole pans, she was feeling nasty. Onari grumbled.
The people around them were scarfing down food as fast as they could. Spectators were clapping and cheering them all on. People moved up and down the aisles putting out more pies for the contestants. Several people had given up. Lee, Ryu, Masaru and Kandai were all going fast. Onari was finding it more difficult to enjoy herself. She closed her eyes.
"Onari, keep eating. Don't stop! I know you can do it," Yanagi said. She was trying to cheer the dark headed girl on. "I think she's getting sick. That is a lot of sweets."
"It doesn't seem to be stopping Ryu or Kandai. They are managing to keep up with some of the larger competitors," Areku said. He watched as Onari stood up. She had a terrible look on her face. "I do believe she's out."
"She's never had that much food at one time. Ri, are you okay," Takeru called to her. Onari fell onto her fear. "She's out."
Sasuke appeared behind the kids. "It seems Masaru is enjoying himself." He looked down the line. His eye twitched. "Who let Ryu sign up for this contest? He's going to be unbearable after this."
Ryu shook the cream off of his face. He looked down at his sixth pie. "I can't do it anymore. I'm about to bust." He fell back onto the ground with Onari.
"Oh, man. This is too much of a good thing," Lee said. His eighth pie was almost finished, but he couldn't do it anymore.
"Agreed, sensei," Masaru said. He looked at Lee. All he saw was black hair on top of pie filling. He busted out laughing.
Ryu walked out of the area with Onari, Lee, and Masaru. Kandai was still eating his heart out. Ryu wiped his face with a wet towel before he proceeded to clean Onari's face. "Check it out. There are only ten people left. Our little Hyuga twin is still in the game."
"Come on, Kandai! Keep going! Don't stop! Let those other turkeys drop," Yanagi cheered at him.
Now there were eight people remaining. Kandai wasn't thinking about what he was doing. The others around him were chewing and lapping at the pie. He was swallowing huge hoards.
"If he beats everyone, I'll be shocked," Areku said. He watched as one person puked and another fell over. "Oh, that's disgusting." He had to cover his nose and turn away.
"Come on, Kandai! You can do it! Just swallow – don't simply chew it," Yanagi said keeping up her cheer. She hopped on her feet excitedly as it came down to Kandai and a larger man. "He's going to do it! Look!"
"Is he really," Lee said. He watched as the bigger man's eyes rolled into the back of his head. "He did it! Way to go, Kandai!"
The man who judged the competition came over to Kandai clapping his hands. "We have a winner! Number 22 – Kandai Hyuga! Congratulations!"
"I won?" Kandai looked around. He was the last one standing. The man handed him a towel to clean himself off. "What did I win?"
The man held out a large sum of ryo. "Your reward is all of the ryo everyone paid to participate in the contest. There is two hundred and forty ryo total. Congratulations, young man!"
Kandai stared at the money in his hands. "What am I supposed to do with it?" He had never had this much money before. He tucked the ryo into his pouch.
"Kandai, what are you going to do with your prize money," Yanagi asked.
"I have no idea really. I guess I should save it," he said. "Father would want me to be wise and responsible."
"He would want you to enjoy yourself," Sasuke said. "You can be wise and responsible if you spend half of it and save the other half. Go have fun, Kandai."
"Yeah, listen to Uncle Sasuke. What's the point of having a vacation if you can't enjoy yourself," Masaru said giving him the thumbs up. "It's a festival!"
"The next event is Spider Crawlers," Kiba said as he looked at his list. "The ones signed up for it are Hire, Gin, Eiyu, and Lee along with me. If you guys could be so kind as to round them up, I would appreciate it." The kids were off.
"Areku, have you seen Hire anywhere," Yanagi asked Kiba's son. She found him throwing away a container. He was alone. She had noticed that Areku kept to himself.
"No, but I could track her if you want. She's been acting oddly. It seems ever since she was put in the same room with Ryu, she's avoided contact with others." He walked with Yanagi past the people. He was searching the festival for her scent.
"Hire isn't a very nice girl. She's too competitive with others. I haven't heard her say anything nice to anyone, Areku. She chooses to push others off," Yanagi said.
Areku glanced at her as he moved out of the way to avoid a large man with two kids following him. "She pushes others off for a reason. If no one is around her, they can't get to know her. Hire doesn't talk about herself and her guard is up. From what I understand, she's pressured into becoming a top ranking ninja by her father. She remains by herself to avoid others noticing her problems."
"You seem to be noticing her despite her efforts to avoid everyone," Yanagi said smiling. Was Areku blushing? He turned his head away to walk down a side road. They were moving away from the village.
"I notice everything and everyone. If you stand still long enough, you hear all sorts of things," Areku said. "I like to watch everyone's progress with their training. Those that are at a stand still, like Hire, concern me."
They found Hire sitting on a bench in the dark. She was staring at the ground. "Hire, Spider Crawlers is going to start soon. Kiba sensei asked us to locate you," Yanagi said.
Hire glanced at them through her long dark hair. "Oh. I don't feel like participating. You two can go back. Sorry for the trouble." She turned away.
Areku wasn't fooled. "You can't give up that easily. My father already paid for everyone to have fun tonight. The festival is a huge event, Hire. You shouldn't count yourself out of it due to the worries you have."
Hire tensed. "How long have you two been watching me," she said rather softly. She despised being spied on.
"We just got here," Yanagi said. "Why are you so far away from the festival? It's not safe out here by yourself."
"I can take care of myself pink-haired girl. I prefer to be away from people. They're awfully bothersome," Hire said with a soft smile. She kept her eyes on the dirt. "I suppose it's not easy to hide from an Inuzuka. Your eyes and nose are too perceptive, Areku. It's best to worry about your team."
Yanagi looked from Areku to Hire. Was Hire aware that he noticed how she acted? Areku was keeping his eyes on her. What is going on?
"I wasn't trying to be rude, Hire. You're the only one here out of everyone that remains alone. Is it because of how you are treated, or worries that are playing over in your head," he asked.
"That's not your concern," Hire said as she closed her eyes. "I've never gotten along with anyone. Worry about yourself," she said.
"I think you worry too much about what others think of you. If you show who you really are instead of hiding all of the time, you never know who will be drawn to you," Areku said. "You're not the only one who watches others, Hire. Get up and go enjoy yourself. Allow yourself to run free, for once."
Hire looked at him. "Why do you care, Areku, huh? It's only a game. The whole thing is just about who wins more than the others," she said referring to ninja lifestyle. "They're all the same. Adults are liars. They expect you to do what they want without hesitation. But, I have to admit, the trainers are not like that. I don't understand why."
Yanagi tilted her head. "So this entire time, you've been trying to get them to lash out at you? You're doing it to prove your thoughts correct. They don't expect you to do what they say, Hire. They expect you to get along with everyone. You're choosing for others to hate you. That isn't a better outcome."
"I'm not like you, Yanagi. I'm not like any of you – not even close to what certain people are attracted to. I'm sick of playing around. The only reason I was held back was because I chose to fight with everyone on my team. They didn't want to work with me from the start. It's the same with the team I'm on now," she said punching the bench. "They both hate me – especially Ryu. I thought I had a chance with him, once, before we were put on the same team. He was always by himself like I was. But he wouldn't talk to me or try to work with me. He always ignored me." She paused. "I don't need anyone."
Yanagi figured Hire out. "Hire, I'm not standing up for Ryu. I wasn't there, but if you know for a fact that I would never work between you two, why keep thinking about him? If a guy had snubbed me that badly over and over, I would assume he was a real jerk. I wouldn't want to associate with someone like that. I know you're in an awkward situation. Boarding with Ryu and Saori has to be the pits. But you need friends in order to take your mind off of the bad stuff."
"Yeah, well, I don't exactly have a bubbly personality like you. I was raised to be like my brothers. It seems I was a huge disappointment for my father because I was a girl. I'm only allowed to train for the sake of my family. My father has no interest in anything I do. Be grateful for the ones that love you." She turned away to ignore them.
"Instead of worrying about your stupid old man, go enjoy yourself. He isn't here to prevent you from being human. If he's that much trouble for you, move on with your life, Hire. Once you're off of the teams, you're on your own anyway. He cannot control you," Areku said. He walked towards her. "Spending a once in a lifetime chance worrying about an insensitive low-life is not going to sit with me. Your life is your own responsibility," he said. Areku grabbed Hire's hand. He pulled her up. "Come on! The event is starting soon!"
Yanagi ran with Areku. The announcer was calling for all participants. Hire was being pulled. Areku wasn't letting her get out of it. Just as they neared the area, the announcer checked the last person. "Wait, there's one more," Yanagi called. Areku pushed Hire forth.
Hire was going to argue with them about how much she didn't want to be in it, but Areku caught her eye. She stared into his dark eyes as he stood behind the rope. He smiled at her and told her to do her best. Hire felt weird. She walked away to stand in one of several large circles around a guy with a bag. Those can't be real spiders, can it? She watched everyone tense as the guy walked around to let them peek into the bag. Hire wasn't afraid of bugs. However, some of the contestants bailed immediately after looking into the bag.
Kiba gave Gin a thumbs up. "Don't panic, Gin. They're
just harmless spiders. I think this event tests your tolerance." He looked to Lee and Eiyu. Eiyu was standing with his eyes closed and arms crossed. Apparently he was slightly bothered by the event. Lee was announcing to everyone how a leaf village ninja had great skill in training and to be afraid of a bug was ridiculous.
"Alright everyone this is your last chance t leave the
even before we get started. The rules for Spider Crawlers are quite simple. The person holding the bag will remain in position with the bag open. You will put your entire arm into the bag. Spiders will crawl up your arm and onto your body. You are to go back to your spot and stand. Here's the fun part. Each of you will hold your arms up to where your fingers touch the person next to you. Your job is to try and get your opponent's spiders onto your body. If you get scared and brush the spiders off, someone else can nab them. The reward for this event is four hundred and fifty ryo. Everyone in the village has chipped in. Is everyone ready? Go!"
Lee walked up to the bag first. He put his arm into the bag. The spiders were not small, but medium sized hairy ones. They reminded him of baby tarantulas. He watched as five moved up his arm. He let them crawl most of the way before returning to his place in the circle.
Each person in every circle approached the bag. Some people only let the spiders crawl half way up their arm before they gave up. Others just had to feel the furry legs and they took off. Eiyu had four spiders on his body. The guy next to him was twitching. Eiyu calmly moved his hand in a sliding motion on top of the man's arm. He took all of the spiders off. Now he had ten. The man was out of the event.
Kiba stood still with his seven spiders. They were remaining on his vest. He watched as several people lost their spiders to others around them. "This is a bit eerie. No one's bothering to make any noise."
"Sensei, I think your spiders like me more," Gin said getting his attention. Kiba looked down as his spiders started to crawl over to Gin. She smiled. "I have on rose scented lotion. I think they prefer it more."
"No, you stupid bugs! Get back here! Stop going to her!" Kiba swore Gin was cheating. Every one of his spiders transferred over to her. "Oh, man!" He was out of the event.
Lee tried to take the spiders from a man next to him. The man noticed what he was doing and became angry at his attempt. "It isn't your choice who they go to. Looking at me like that doesn't solve anything." Lee brought up his hand to block a swing from the man. As he blocked the advances of the stranger, all of their spiders fell off.
"You two are disqualified," the man in the middle said.
Eiyu crouched with his arms out. He was trying to gather the fallen spiders. Hire and Gin saw what he was up to and decided to get in on the action. "You two go back over there. These are mine," he said.
"They're game for everybody, Hyuga. We have as much right as you to nab them," Hire said. She scooped up as many as she could. Eiyu was trying to push her aside with his shoulder. Hire narrowed her eyes. "Back off, Eiyu. I'm not afraid of a pampered brat."
Gin got pushed by Eiyu when he went to shove Hire again. She fell onto her stomach. The spiders she had were thrown off. Gin looked down at her kimono. It had nasty spider goo all over it. The other spiders she had harvested were now squished by her weight. She froze. Her eyes went wide. "I killed them," she said. Gin started to cry.
Areku jumped the rope. He went to retrieve Gin. She was emotional when it came to animals or children. "Gin, it's okay. It wasn't your fault." He lifted her up. "We'll get you cleaned up okay?" He looked over his shoulder at Hire. "Hire, beat the pants off of him."
Hire looked up at Areku. She blushed as he smiled at her again. Hire took one look at Eiyu and grinned evilly. "There isn't a rule about fighting dirty. I have to pay you back for getting Gin disqualified."
"You wouldn't dare," Eiyu said rather seriously. He watched Hire move towards him. "You aren't getting them. These are mine," he said putting his arms up to block.
"Oh, you can have them," Hire said. She went behind him and grabbed a hold of his pants. Hire dropped two spiders down his bare back. "This might teach you to be a little more considerate!" She let go of him.
"Oh, it looks as if the competition between some of the contestants is getting ugly! Did she put spiders down that poor kid's pants? I would say as much as he's hopping around, there's no doubt about it," the announcer said.
"Hire, you ass," Eiyu said angrily as he tried to get the spiders out. They were crawling over parts of his body that he didn't want to think about. He grimaced as he latched onto one of the spiders and pulled it out. The other spider wouldn't let him nab it. In fact, it was moving to the front of his pants. Eiyu yelled, "Get it out!" He threw the spiders off as he twisted his body trying to shake the spider free.
Hire snickered. "Serves you right," she said as she scooped up the spiders he dropped. She had twenty-three now. "You're disqualified, Eiyu. I beat you." He looked at her with a sneer as the last spider crawled out of his shorts. She plucked that one, too.
Lee had to drag Eiyu away from the event. The boy was bent on having it out with Hire right then and there. Lee didn't agree with Hire's method, but he also didn't condone fighting. "Get her in the training ring, Eiyu."
"There are only a few others left," Areku said. "If she
manages to beat those guys, I'll kiss her dead on the mouth." That got him a surprised reaction from Yanagi.
"Kid, you might as well forfeit. My brother and I win every year," a tall man told Hire. He smiled at her.
Hire narrowed her eyes. She was tired of taking directions from males. She started to form hand seals in front of her body. "Oh, yeah? Well since you two are so excellent at maintaining spiders, lets see if you choose to keep them."
The ground started to lift itself. As it towered above her, a large form started to break free of the earth. It snorted into the night. The crowd around her moved back. Hire smirked. She pointed at the men who ere boasting. "Minotaur, retrieve."
The Minotaur went after the remaining contestants swinging its spiked arms. The contestants it chased took off running. The spiders dropped onto the ground plopping on top of each other. Hire scooped them up. She placed the spiders all over her body until she was covered. The Minotaur sunk back into the earth once it was finished. She was completely covered head to toe in spiders. Only her eyes were visible.
The man from her circle walked up to her. He removed each of the spiders, counting as he dropped them back into the bag. "One hundred and ninety-six spiders. Contestant number forty-seven: Hire Yamanaka wins this event." The crowd cheered. "You fought a big dirty, young lady, but it was very entertaining."
Hire walked up to Areku and Yanagi. "I could care less about the money. All I wanted to do was beat Eiyu. He disqualified Gin and made her cry. What a jerk!" she waved Gin over. The Akimichi girl walked over slowly. Her kimono was wet from being washed off. Hire grabbed her hands and turned them over. "Here, Gin. We'll never know if I would have beaten you due to Eiyu's interference." She gave her a hundred ryo. She also gave Yanagi and Areku each a hundred ryo. "That's for forcing me not to give up."
Areku looked at the money. Hire was being generous. "Well, a bet is a bet," he said. Hire tilted her head as he walked up to her. They were the same height. He put his hands on her face gently. She was watching him with wide eyes.
"Areku, what are you doing?" Hire was cut off as he kissed her dead on the lips. Her eyes were as wide as saucers. She blushed so badly she felt as if she was going to faint. He stole my first kiss! She gasped for air when their lips parted.
Areku coughed as he blushed. "Um, nice job," he said softly. Hire was watching him. "Um, do you want to go get a snack with me?"
Yanagi smiled as Hire nodded shyly. "My event's next! I forgot! I have to find Saori! We're in the talent competition!" She hopped from one foot to the other before she turned tail and ran. I have no idea where Ryu and her are!
Ryu walked with Saori down the streets looking at the decorations. She leaned into his arm. Ryu bent down to kiss the top of her head. He looked behind them once he heard Takeru running away from Onari. "Maybe I shouldn't have bought her a sparkler."
Saori laughed lightly. "She's a funny girl. I like how curious she is. Onari explores everything as a small child would."
Ryu sweat dropped. Onari was not only after Takeru, but also Daiya and Idai. They were running from her in a circle. "They're probably going to get me for that later."
"Ryu! Saori," Yanagi called as she raised her hand. She finally found them. Yanagi placed her hands on her knees as she breathed hard. "You'll never guess who won Spider Crawlers! Hire beat these two men who were taunting her. She won 450 ryo!"
Saori blinked. "Wow, that's a lot of money. I'm glad to see she's not holding up in the room. I don't know why she's refusing to take part in anything." She watched Yanagi smile. "Spill it, Yanagi. You know something."
Yanagi nodded slowly. "I do, but I'll only say what I can. It's not polite to throw some things out in the open. When Hire won the event, Areku kissed her. He invited her out to eat afterwards. If it wasn't for him talking to her earlier, she wouldn't have won, much less, participated. We gained some insight about her. I'm not trying to change how you guys feel about her. It doesn't excuse her for how she's been acting. I'm just hoping she changes."
"Yanagi, I don't like hire at all. I've known her longer than any of you. Despite how she seems to be changing in your eyes, doesn't mean she will. I already know about the type of family she comes from. She's rude and has thrown inconsiderate taunts at everyone she encounters," Ryu said with a non-threatening voice. "How I view her is never going to change. She doesn't work well with the others on her team and hates being wish us. No offense, but I'd rather not hear it."
Yanagi looked away. "Ryu, when you first met her, how did you act?" She looked at him again. Saori was watching him, too.
"I don't trust others," he admitted. "You have to understand that I grew up listening to the entire village compare me to my father. I was afraid of everyone around me – especially girls. Boys I could fight, but girls I couldn't. I was raised to respect females, Yanagi. I'm a gentleman despite how others treat me. Females are the worst when it comes to saying things to hurt you. I don't remember the first time I met Hire. I only remember the first insult she gave me. Saori has never been insensitive – regardless of how I reacted to her. She kept pressing. Those that give up too easily on me are not worth my time."
Yanagi felt sad. Hire had no chance with Ryu. Ryu was aware Hire taunted him to get his attention. He knew she liked him, but the way Hire acted, caused Ryu to put up walls around himself. He wasn't ever going to trust Hire or consider her a friend. Hire had lost a long time ago. "I'm sorry the situation can't be solved. I don't prefer to see two people quarreling. I'll stop interfering. The event all of us are scheduled to be in starts soon," Yanagi said before she walked off.
"What just happened," Saori asked. She watched Yanagi disappear into the crowd. "Yanagi wasn't trying to fight with you, Ryu. It's not in her nature."
"No, it isn't. She's trying to find good qualities in Hire and I don't believe there are any. Hire has a crush on me, Saori. She has for a long time. I can't be with someone who hurts others due to her own problems. Hire treats me with a lot of disrespect because I don't value her actions. I'm never going to be friends with someone like her."
"Ryu, please don't be mad at Yanagi. She only wants everyone to get along." Saori squeezed his hand. "You weren't very approving of me either, at first."
Ryu leaned down. "No, but unlike Hire, you came back each time I threw a stone at you." He kissed her deeply. Ryu rubbed his thumb against her fingers. I have the person I want to be with. I don't wish Hire an ill fated existence. She needs to find the person she deserves.
"Oh, man, I'm so nervous," Saori said as they sat behind the curtain. Two people had been booed off of the platform. "I can see why only forty people signed up for this event."
"That's nothing. Last year, we had an old broad unicycle and juggle. Her eye sight wasn't the best. It wasn't the best show until she rolled off of the platform. They had to take her to the clinic," a young guy told them.
"Excuse my brother. It wasn't funny! It was scary. She ended up with a broken hip," the girl said slapping his arm hard. "Just concentrate on what you want to do in your act. Ignore the crowd," she offered.
The brother laughed. "Take your own advice, Shisa, we're up." He lifted the swords he had in his hands. They were going to juggle them in front of the crowd. "Best of luck," he said to the three ninja.
"Ryu, what are you singing," Saori asked. She watched as he opened his eyes. He was refusing to look at the other people.
"Something I just threw together," he said. Some guy laughed at him. He narrowed his eyes. "I'd worry about myself if I were you."
They heard the crowd gasp and scream. Suddenly, two men were carrying the guy they had talked to previously on a stretcher. The sister was right behind them crying. "I'm sorry, Moro! I had to sneeze!"
Moro groaned. There was a sword sticking out of his leg. "I'm not working with you anymore after this!" That caused Shisa to cry harder as they were being issued through the crowd of onlookers.
Twenty people went ahead of Saori and Yanagi before they were called. "Deep breath, Saori. Deep breath," she said as she stood up. Her heart was jumping around in her chest. She felt Ryu grasp onto her wrist. She looked down at him.
"If it helps, Gorgeous, try to think of something that makes you incredibly happy," Ryu suggested. "While holding that image in your mind, sing your heart out." He kissed her hand tenderly closing his eyes.
"Saori, the crowd is being impatient. We have to go, or forfeit," Yanagi said. She tugged her. "Come on, we've been practicing all year to show someone."
Saori walked out onto the platform with Yanagi by her side. The crowd was staring at them. Her mind went back to Ryu and what he had said. Think of a happy memory. Make it stick. The music started to play. A happy memory that puts me at ease. Ryu is my happy memory. I don't have to prove anything when I'm around him.
Yanagi looked at Saori. She smiled. "Sing to the one you want to hear you," she said softly. "Are you ready?"
A certain set of notes played. Saori started to sing with her mind focusing on Ryu. "To-morr-ow~ the world is a~ new~. I wish to sp-end it be-ing with you~. When we part I miss your te-nder kiss~ You're every-thing and mo-ore at the top of my list."
Yanagi chimed in after Saori's intro. "Won't you co-ome and sit with me~? Wa-tching the stars under the oak tree~ I've wanted to show you how I feel~ that hope isn't a dr-eam and, baby, I am real~"
Saori and Yanagi sang the chorus together as people started to sway with their voices. "Your touch and str-ength is in-side of me~ It's some-thing so precious – My on-ly key~ It unlocks all I've kept hi-dden in-side. So hold my ha-nd. Let's jump far and wide!"
"Teach me the ways of your he-art~ Let your hand take mine to ne-ver part~ I've waited for you si-nce the sun went down~ Turn back the clock. Our jo-urney is bound~."
Saori focused more on Ryu as her voice echoed into the night. "I wi-sh to see the stars gl-ist-en in your eyes~ To experience all I can as time flies by~ Pl-ease let me be a sweet mem-ory~ One you won't for-get with hi-story~"
Yanagi piped up again, her voice matching Saori's. "My love for you is flee-t-ing like the wind~ It seeks you out a~round ev-ery bend~ I lo-ng to mold with you~ To be-come one as lo-vers do~"
Saori and Yanagi went back to the chorus again. It seemed the children were dancing as some of the adults leaned into each other. Once the chorus was over, it was Saori's finishing number. Her voice became softer as she sang her lines. "As the mo-on turns my gaze~ My eyes meet yours~ in a daze~ Let's keep hol-ding on~ You're the best at ma-king me strong~ Memories never fade~ Not the ones we share- the ones we've made~."
Her voice became even lighter, almost as if singing to a small child. "I'll ch-ase away your fears~ like the sun after the rain~ I'll be your song-bird si-tting on the window pane~ And as you drift upon those flu-ffy clo-uds in your dreams~ I'll be watching over you- my one- and ev-ery-thiiing."
The crowd cheered, whistled, and clapped their applause. They blushed as someone threw flowers at their feet. The girls heard someone yell, 'That's my daughter!' Yanagi smiled. It was her dad alright.
Saori and Yanagi walked backstage. Everyone who was performing gave them an extra round of applause along with whistles. The girls blushed immensely. "I suppose we did alright," Yanagi said. She looked at Saori. Saori was looking away, blushing worse. "Who were you thinking of that made you sing like that? That had to be the best performance you've ever given!"
"I was thinking of Ryu," Saori answered softly. "I don't want to tell him though. It's too soon to say those kinds of words to him." She put her hand over her heart. Saori felt complete when she was around the older boy. She wondered. "Yanagi, how can you tell if you're in love?"
Yanagi smiled as she tilted her head. "You can't get enough of him. That's how you know. Although, if you find yourself coming up with plans on how to get into his house, that makes you a stalker." She laughed with Saori.
Saori stood out in the crowd waiting. She wanted to hear Ryu's voice. A number of acts had already performed. When was his turn coming up? She decided to sit on a bench with Yanagi. Saori's eyes drifted to the stars above the village. They were twinkling radiantly.
Yanagi waved at Takeru, Kandai, Idai, and Daiya. They walked over. "So have you guys been enjoying yourselves? When is Ryu supposed so sing? Takeru, stop smiling. He tells you everything."
Takeru sat on the table. "He doesn't tell me everything. All I know is Ryu won't be performing for about three more acts." He glanced back at the others. "Daiya, you can sit down." His brother shook his head.
"Wait, Takeru. The sign that girl is holding up says this act is number thirty-seven. Oh, boy, Saori, Ryu's last," Yanagi said.
"As badly as that guy is singing, it should come sooner," Daiya said out of nowhere. They all started to laugh at him. He tilted his head. "What did I do?"
"You made a joke," Idai said. He clapped his hands as he bounced around. "We have much work to do, Takeru. The stick lodged in his rear is affecting his mind. We should take him to the clinic for further assessment!"
Daiya's hair spiked out on all ends. He began to chase Idai around the area. They watched Idai cartwheel away from Daiya laughing. Daiya was throwing aggression all over the place, but Idai was avoiding him quite well.
"He moves like a grasshopper," Kandai said smiling. "Hey, do you guys want something to drink? I'm buying."
"Aw, Kandai, you're a sweetheart," Yanagi said.
Kandai moved his arm up quickly to grab onto the back of Daiya's collar. Daiya looked back at him surprised. "I'm buying drinks for everyone. Since you have so much energy, you can help me carry them."
"He started it," Daiya said lowly pointing at Idai. Kandai only tugged him along. He looked back at Takeru. "Takeru," he called. He wanted to be saved.
Takeru waved at him. "Kandai's not going to hurt you. You're only getting tea, Daiya," he called back. "We have to come up with more ways to get him to be more sociable."
"Hey, I'm working on it," Idai said as he flew into Yanagi. He smiled at her as she leaned back. "We have to get Daiya to be more sociable and receptive to others. Right, Yanagi?"
Yanagi blushed. "Why are you asking me?" Idai covered her eyes with his hand. She could feel her heart knocking against her rib cage.
"That is why. I'd hate to see the person it's intended for to not be able to understand its meaning." He removed his hand. "I've seen the looks you've given Daiya when we train. He needs to know how you feel. But right now, he's not perceptive of others as being his equal. That's why Takeru and I are working with him."
Saori leaned forwards to look at Idai. "Have you told him how she feels? Either of you? Because if you have-"
"Saori, we haven't told him anything. Daiya isn't able to comprehend what acceptance is fully. He still doesn't trust me, Idai, or Ryu. Until he does, I'm afraid he'd turn Yanagi away. Right now, he wouldn't listen. It's not to be mean, Yanagi. Daiya comes from a really bad environment," Takeru said.
"What kind of environment," Yanagi asked. She could see Kandai trying to persuade Daiya over something. He was tensing his body and lowering his head.
Idai looked at her seriously. "All I can tell you is he came from a woman who didn't want him. He has no other family but Takeru and Onari. Daiya is difficult because he was never given a chance. We're trying to make him realize that that chance is still there."
"The fact that he's so guarded all of the time makes it impossible for others around him. He refuses to adhere to an adult, much less, someone he respects," Takeru said. He glanced at the platform. People were throwing food at a man who was trying to do magic.
"I suppose Ryu's not having much luck with him either," Saori said.
"No, Ryu's making progress. It's just going to take time," Idai said. "They have things in common. It's helping to bond them to each other. I'm sure you can figure out which, Saori."
"Hey, we're back. Here's the tea," Kandai said. He
handed the tea to them as Daiya held the tray. "Daiya, would you prefer the peach tea or cranberry?" Daiya mumbled something under his breath. He didn't look at Kandai. "I can't hear you. It's okay," he said reassuring Daiya. "I'm not picky. You can have whichever you prefer."
Daiya closed his eyes. He felt like everyone was staring at him. Kandai was not someone he knew very well. "I don't like cranberry tea. It's tart," he said softly. Kandai took the cranberry. He handed Daiya the peach. Daiya stood next to Takeru.
Takeru moved his arm up to hook it around the back of his brother's neck. He leaned his head into Daiya's. He spoke softly to where only Daiya could hear him. "I'm proud of you. You've stayed out in the open all night. Do you feel better with us, or by yourself?"
Daiya looked up. Number thirty-nine was leaving. "I'd rather be with you guys. Takeru, can we switch teas?"
Takeru traded his black tea for Daiya's peach flavored tea. He made his brother sit on the table with him. He was learning to watch for small hints concerning fatigue with Daiya. He turned his body so Daiya could lay his head on his shoulder. "It looks like Ryu's next, Saori. You're going to get quite a show." Idai was watching him with Daiya. "He's alright. Idai, can you get the cup out of his hands for me? Thank you. I think we need to let him rest for an hour."
Saori watched Ryu walk out onto the platform. There was a man appearing to play drums. Two other guys showed up with guitars. The music started with a fast guitar intro. Ryu lowered his face mask. He's not ashamed to show his face?
Ryu grabbed a hold of the microphone with both hands. His voice started to echo through the speakers onto the poles. He found Saori and singled her out. His red eyes focused on her beautiful face.
As the second guitar chimed in with the first, he started to sing louder. "Hold on-to me my dear~ We will begin as always~ I'll ke-ep figh-tin on- just as mem-ories are lingering- each day. For-get your tears, they are only jea-lousy from fake i-di-olo-gies~ You blind me with your ra-diating soul and because of you, I fight- for ever in-to- into the nev-er-ending night~"
The drums picked up in rhythm as the guitars were strummed. Ryu turned away from the microphone for a moment to allow them their solo before continuing. "The roads I walk aren't free~ there are al-ways demons pulling at me- but you cast them a-side- My Sunshine- my rose that used to hide~ I had to wait- for fate- to pull me by the collar – it threw me right at you~ Not be-lieving my eyes, I didn't bother~"
"My Sunshine- had to show~ What it felt like- to be able to let my-self grow~ Against all odds that ex-ist, you're wonder-ful- with each and ev-ery kiss~"
The crowd below was really getting into Ryu's act. People were dancing with his music. Young girls were screaming and yelling at him – their voices lost in the crowd. Ryu jumped on the stage and as he did, the lights popped. They rained down onto the crowd.
"For-give me for wan-ting to stay- With you- each waking day~ I have to know- how it is- to be free- for I am lost without you- you see~ I am com-pletely chained and never free~" The guitars were the only things playing now. "I am- completely- lost without you, Sa-ori~"
Saori's heart stopped. Her eyes were wide. Ryu had written a song about her. He had sung it in front of a hundred people. She was speechless.
"Holy, heck. Saori, are you still breathing or do we need to get someone," Idai asked. Saori was frozen. "Yanagi, check for a pulse."
The contestants lined up on the platform. The judges were calculating the results. "The winner for the talent competition is number forty, Ryu Yuhi."
Ryu took his four passes to the Heaven Café. Everyone cheered as he excited. As he moved the curtain aside, he let it fall. Saori stood watching him with tears in her eyes. His eyes softened. "Saori, I didn't mean to embarrass you." She ran at him and threw herself on him. He caught her.
Saori hugged him tightly. "You didn't embarrass me," she said choking on her words. He wrote a song about her. Ryu thought of her in the ways he had depicted.
Ryu lifted her chin. He wiped the tears from her eyes. "You're still my songbird." She gasped. "I know about what you were singing earlier. Sometimes singers have hidden meanings in their songs." He lowered his head towards her. "When do I get a private concert?"
Saori kissed him madly at that point. She was overcome with emotion. Her tongue twisted with his as she kissed him deeply. Their lips parted only to go back towards each other again. Saori breathed him in. She kissed the side of his lips. He opened his eyes. She ran her fingers down his cheek.
"At least let me take you out for a nice dinner," Ryu said. He kissed her softly again. "Let's go see if Yanagi wants to go. I need to make it up to her for earlier."
"Who else are you taking," Saori asked. She interlaced her fingers with his. He scratched the back of his head. "Since Sasuke sensei talked you into it, you should take him."
"Yeah, I know, but one meal isn't enough to pay him back for all of the trouble I cause," Ryu said. "Let's go find him. His event isn't for some time."