Percy stood before Rengoku's tombstone, the soft breeze carrying the scent of freshly bloomed flowers from the cemetery gardens. It had been exactly one month since the Flame Hashira's demise, and the weight of his loss still hung heavily on Percy's heart. He took a deep breath, composing himself before speaking softly to the stone.
"Hey, Kyojuro... I hope somehow you can hear me," Percy began, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and determination. "We've been training really hard, just like you told us to. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and I, we're all pushing ourselves to get stronger. We won't let your sacrifice be in vain."
He paused, his gaze fixated on the engraved name, not really knowing what to say.
"I miss you, Kyojuro," Percy continued, a lump forming in his throat. "Everyone does. But we're holding on, even when it's tough. We're finding the strength to move forward, just like you would have wanted."
As Percy grieved in front of the stone, he heard a voice behind him calling out his name. Turning around, he saw the imposing figure of the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps standing behind him. Instantly, he knelt before the revered figure, showing his utmost respect. However, the Master raised his hand, signaling Percy to rise.
"You need not to kneel before me, Percy," the Master said with a gentle smile. "We are both here to pay our respects to a fallen comrade."
Percy stood up, still feeling a mix of reverence and awe in the presence of the Master. "Yes, Master. It's been a month, but it still feels so unreal. We all miss him a lot."
The Master nodded, a hint of sadness in his blind eyes. "Kyojuro was a remarkable warrior and a true pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps. His loss has left a void in all our hearts."
They stood together in a moment of silence, the memories of Kyojuro Rengoku lingering in their thoughts. The Master then spoke again, breaking the silence.
"Shinobu is worried about you. I can see you are feeling distraught," the Master said with concern. "This weekend, there will be a festival happening in a city named Hanamachi, which is not far from here. Perhaps you should go there to clear your mind and invite a few friends along. You will not be assigned missions for the time being."
Percy hesitated for a moment, the mention of the festival triggering something in his mind. While he didn't want to cease his training, he felt like a day off could do him some good.
"I'll consider it, Master," he replied. "Thank you for the suggestion."
The Master nodded approvingly. "Take the time you need, Percy. Remember, even amidst the darkness of our duties, we must find moments of light and joy to keep us going."
With that, the Master bid Percy farewell and walked away, leaving him to his thoughts. As Percy looked back at Rengoku's tombstone one last time before also taking his leave, Percy couldn't shake the feeling that fate had led him to his newest friends, and perhaps the festival would be the perfect opportunity to share a moment of peace and happiness amidst their dangerous journey as demon slayers.
Percy let out a frustrated sigh as he once again missed his target, his wooden sword swishing through the air instead of hitting Shinobu. He was usually more adept with his strikes, but today, his mind was clouded with thoughts that seemed to hinder his focus.
Shinobu approached him with a concerned expression, gently twirling her butterfly-patterned sword. "Is something on your mind, Percy?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of worry. "It's not like you to miss so many times in a row."
Percy took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nervousness and relief as he decided to confide in Shinobu about his recent conversation with the Master.
"Well, you see," he began, looking down at his wooden sword for a moment before meeting Shinobu's concerned gaze, "the Master suggested me to take a break this weekend. There's a festival happening in Hanamachi, and he said I should go to clear my mind, maybe even invite someone along."
Shinobu listened attentively, her expression thoughtful. "And you are thinking of asking Mitsuri to go with you, right?" she said, her words catching Percy by surprise. He widened his eyes, silently questioning how she knew what he was thinking.
"How did you...?" Percy started, but Shinobu simply smiled, her eyes holding a glimmer of teasing.
"I can see it in your eyes," she said gently. "The way you look at her, the way you care about her. And it's no secret that you two have grown close, especially since Rengoku's passing."
Percy felt a faint blush rising to his cheeks, and he averted his gaze, unsure of how to respond. "I... I don't know," he admitted. "I mean, we're friends and I enjoy her company a lot, but I'm not sure if there's something else to it. I don't know how I feel about her yet."
Shinobu placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You won't know unless you try, Percy," she said kindly. "Sometimes, taking a chance can lead to something beautiful. And besides, it will be good for both of you to have some time away from the constant battles and training."
Percy nodded, considering her words. His thoughts went to Annabeth, his first love. She would want him to find happiness with someone else and move on, right? He knew Shinobu was right, and perhaps it was time to take that chance. "You're right," he said, a hint of a smile in his voice. "I'll ask her. If she wants to go to the festival with me, that would be great."
Shinobu smiled, her butterfly-patterned haori glinting in the sunlight. "I'm glad to hear that," she said. "Now, let's get back to training. And remember, no matter what happens, you can count on me."
Percy stood outside Mitsuri's door, his heart pounding in his chest like a war drum. He had taken a deep breath before knocking, but now the anticipation was killing him. Every second that passed felt like an eternity, and his mind was racing with thoughts of what her response might be.
He had decided to take Shinobu's advice and ask Mitsuri to accompany him to the festival. They had grown closer over the past month, and he felt a strong connection to her, one he had only previously felt with Annabeth, and he couldn't ignore it anymore. But the anticipation of her response weighed heavily on his mind, and he couldn't shake the nerves that threatened to overtake him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching from inside the house. The door slowly opened, revealing Mitsuri standing there with a curious and warm smile.
"Percy? What a great surprise!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with joy at the sight of him. "Is there something you need?"
"Hey, Mitsuri," he greeted, his voice soft and warm. "I hope I'm not bothering you or anything."
Mitsuri shook her head, her pink hair swaying gently with the motion. "Not at all! I'm always happy to see you," she replied, her tone friendly and inviting. "Come on in."
As he stepped inside, Percy couldn't help but notice the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of her home. The walls were adorned with vibrant paintings, and the air was filled with a pleasant aroma that made his stomach rumble.
"Your place is pretty nice," Percy commented, glancing around with genuine interest.
"Thank you!" Mitsuri said, beaming with pride. "I've tried to make it feel like home."
She led him to the kitchen, where he saw a spread of beautifully prepared sakura moshi dishes on the table. Mitsuri had a big smile as she gestured to the food.
"I just finished making these sakura mochis. Would you like to try one?" she offered.
Percy nodded eagerly, and Mitsuri served him a plate. He took a bite and his eyes widened in surprise. "This is delicious!" he exclaimed. "You're an amazing cook."
Mitsuri blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "Thank you," she said, her voice tinged with shyness. "I enjoy cooking, and I'm glad you like it."
As they sat at the table and enjoyed the meal together, the atmosphere felt comfortable and easygoing. Percy found himself feeling more at ease, and the nerves that had been gnawing at him earlier began to fade away.
After they finished eating, they chatted about various things, sharing stories and laughter. Mitsuri's warm and bubbly personality made it easy for Percy to open up, and he found himself feeling more and more at ease in her presence.
As the evening wore on, Percy finally mustered up the courage to invite her to the festival. "Hey, Mitsuri," he said, trying to sound casual, "there's this festival happening this weekend not far from here. Would you like to go with me?"
As Percy nervously made his question, a shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Her green eyes sparkled with delight, and she nodded eagerly.
"I'd love to go with you, Percy," she replied softly, her voice filled with happiness.
A big smile of relief spread across Percy's face, and he couldn't help but let out a sigh of contentment. The warmth in Mitsuri's response eased any lingering doubts he had, and he felt a sense of joy that she had accepted his invitation.
"Great! I'm really looking forward to it," he said, his smile growing wider.
They exchanged excited glances, and a sense of anticipation filled the air. It felt like the start of something new and special, and Percy couldn't wait to spend time with her at the festival.
As the evening continued, they enjoyed each other's company, laughing and talking like old friends. Percy cherished every moment spent with her, feeling the connection between them grow stronger with each passing minute.
As the evening grew late, Percy reluctantly realized that he had to leave her house. He didn't want the night to end, but he knew he couldn't stay forever. They stood by the door, a hint of sadness in their eyes as they said their goodbyes.
"I had a really wonderful time tonight," Percy said, his voice soft and sincere. "Thank you for your time."
Mitsuri blushed and returned his smile. "I had a great time too," she replied. "I'm glad you came."
They exchanged a warm gaze, both feeling a strong connection that seemed to transcend words. Finally, Percy mustered up the courage to suggest their plans for the festival.
"Um, how about I come to your house to pick you up?" he asked nervously. "And then we can walk to the train station together?"
Mitsuri's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "That sounds perfect," she said.
As Percy turned to leave, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. He hesitated at the door, glancing back at Mitsuri with a slightly nervous expression. It was now or never.
"Hey," he said softly, "I was also wondering if... if you'd like to consider this as a date? Instead of just going out as friends, I mean."
Mitsuri's face turned a deep shade of red, but her green eyes shone and her smile grew even brighter. She nodded shyly, unable to find the right words to respond, and closed the door with a gentle click. Despite that, he could still hear her squeal of excitement trough the closed door.
As Percy walked away from her house, he couldn't contain the happiness that filled his heart. He had taken a leap of faith and asked Mitsuri on a date, and she had accepted with that beautiful smile. His mind buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming festival, knowing that it would be a day filled with joy and the possibility of something more. The thought of spending more time with Mitsuri filled him with excitement, and he couldn't wait for the day to arrive.
It seemed to take forever, but the day of the festival finally arrived, and Percy found himself nervously getting ready in his small room at the Butterfly Manor. Shinobu, taking pity on his nervousness, offered to assist him with his attire. She carefully selected a dark blue hakama, a traditional Japanese pleated trouser, along with a crisp white kimono shirt. Over the kimono, she helped Percy put on a sleek black haori, a thigh-length coat often worn on formal occasions. Completing the ensemble was a simple yet elegant obi belt, tied neatly around his waist.
With Shinobu's help, Percy adjusted the folds of the kimono and straightened the haori, looking at himself in the mirror. He was pleasantly surprised by how well the traditional clothing suited him, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in wearing the attire of his adopted homeland.
"Thank you, Shinobu," he said gratefully, giving her a small bow.
"You look very handsome," Shinobu replied with a warm smile. "Mitsuri is going to be delighted when she sees you."
Feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, Percy made his way to Mitsuri's house. The walk seemed to take a long time before he finally arrived. He knocked on the door, his heart pounding in anticipation. To his surprise, Mitsuri answered the door quickly, as if she had been eagerly waiting for him. And what a sight she was.
Mitsuri wore a pink flowery kimono, the delicate pattern perfectly complementing her vibrant and cheerful personality. The colors of the kimono seemed to mirror the shades of her hair, and the overall effect was simply breathtaking. Percy couldn't help but gasp at her beauty, feeling a rush of admiration for the woman standing before him.
"You look absolutely stunning," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Mitsuri blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. "Thank you," she replied, her smile radiant. "You look very handsome too."
Feeling bold, Percy extended his hand towards her. "Let's go?" he asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Mitsuri's smiled, and she gently interlaced her fingers with his. "Let's," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
As they walked hand in hand towards the train station, Percy couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment. The festival awaited them, but more importantly, they had each other's company. They walked side by side, their hearts connected, ready to embrace whatever the day had in store for them.
"Whooah! There are so many people here!" Mitsuri exclaimed with wide eyes, her excitement shining in her pale green orbs.
Percy chuckled, agreeing wholeheartedly. "You're right. This festival is much bigger than I expected." He glanced around at the bustling crowd, taking in the colorful stalls and lanterns that adorned the streets. The air was filled with the scent of various delicacies, and the joyful chatter of festival-goers filled his ears.
The festival was in full swing, and the city was alive with vibrant energy. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes hung from buildings, their soft glow casting a warm ambiance over the festivities. The streets were adorned with traditional decorations, and various stalls lined the sidewalks, offering a wide array of goods and treats.
As they walked further into the heart of the festival, they were greeted by the sight of dancers dressed in traditional attire, moving gracefully to the beat of lively music. The melody of flutes and drums filled the air, adding to the festive atmosphere. Children ran around with glowing paper lanterns, their laughter echoing through the streets.
At the beginning of the street, a massive strip hung proudly, written in bold characters, "Welcome to Hanamachi's Annual Moon Festival!" The sign was a colorful display of calligraphy, capturing the essence of the celebration.
The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the festive atmosphere as Percy and Mitsuri strolled hand in hand through the bustling streets of Hanamachi. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food, and colorful stalls lined the paths, offering games and prizes that beckoned to passersby.
Their first stop was a lively game stall that caught Mitsuri's eye. A boisterous crowd had gathered around a strength test, where participants swung a heavy mallet to strike a bell. Mitsuri stepped up confidently, her eyes glinting with enthusiasm. With a mighty swing, she sent the bell soaring up to ring the top mark, winning a plush bear as a prize. Percy couldn't help but admire her strength as he clapped and cheered for her victory.
Eager to join in the fun, Percy tried his hand at a ring toss game. However, his attempts seemed to defy all laws of physics, as the rings comically veered off target with each throw. Mitsuri giggled uncontrollably, finding his earnest efforts endearing. "Don't worry, Percy," she said between giggles, "it's just a game, after all!"
Determined to win something for her, Percy spotted a unique water gun shooting range with floating rubber ducks as targets. He didn't feel any shame as he controlled the water as he wished, hitting all the ducks in rapid succession. Proudly, he earned a stuffed cat as a prize and presented it to Mitsuri with a warm smile. "For you, as a memento of our day together," he said, feeling a gentle blush rising to his cheeks.
As the evening progressed, they weaved their way through the festival, savoring a delightful assortment of street food. They indulged in savory skewers of grilled meat, savored the sweet fluffiness of cotton candy, and relished the warm and delectable taiyaki filled with custard.
After satisfying their appetites, Percy spotted a man selling refreshing drinks. He leaned close to Mitsuri's ear to be heard over the loud atmosphere, his heart beating a little faster as he caught a whiff of her perfume, a scent that had already become alluring to him. "Do you want something to drink?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies in his stomach.
Mitsuri nodded with a grateful smile, and Percy returned moments later with two refreshing beverages. However, he was taken aback to see a persistent man trying to flirt with Mitsuri, who was trying her best to decline politely. A pang of jealousy surged within Percy, but he took a deep breath and stepped forward, putting an arm around Mitsuri's shoulder protectively. "Excuse us," he interjected firmly, "we were just about to enjoy some time together."
The persistent man finally took the hint and moved away, and Mitsuri looked up at Percy with gratitude in her eyes. A sense of warmth filled his chest as he realized how much he cared for her and how he wanted to keep her close.
As the night progressed, the festival began to wind down, and a sense of tranquility settled over the city. Percy and Mitsuri found a secluded spot away from the bustling crowd, where they could fully appreciate the breathtaking fireworks show. The night sky was ablaze with vibrant colors, and each explosion filled them with wonder.
Mitsuri rested her head gently on Percy's shoulder, a contented smile playing on her lips. "I'm so glad you invited me to this, Percy," she whispered, her voice a soft melody in the night. "It's been the most fun I've ever had."
Percy smiled tenderly, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and drawing her closer. "I'm glad too," he replied, his heart swelling with affection. "I couldn't think of anyone else to share this night with."
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the world seemed to slow down around them. Percy's heart pounded in his chest as he realized that something magical was happening between them. A connection that neither of them could fully understand, but both knew was special.
Together, they watched the fireworks cascade across the night sky, their fingers intertwined, and their souls entwined in a newfound bond. As the last firework exploded in a shower of sparkling light, they both knew that this festival had marked the beginning of something beautiful and unforgettable between them. The Moon Festival had kindled a flame in their hearts that would burn brightly for a lifetime.
As the firework show came to a breathtaking end, the festival slowly began to wind down, and many people started making their way home. Percy and Mitsuri, too, decided to take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting gardens, hand in hand, savoring each other's company under the dim glow of lanterns that illuminated their path.
The gentle music from the festival still reached their ears, but as they ventured deeper into the garden, the sounds of laughter and merriment faded, giving way to a more tranquil atmosphere. The fragrant scent of blossoms filled the air, and the soft rustling of leaves accompanied their steps, creating a soothing symphony of nature.
In this peaceful haven, they reached a secluded spot with a charming bench placed in front of a gracefully flowing fountain. They settled there, side by side, taking in the serene ambiance surrounding them. The laughter, joy, and connection they had experienced throughout the festival lingered in the air, making the moment even more magical.
Mitsuri broke the silence, her voice soft and wistful. "You know, Percy," she began, her eyes fixed on the twinkling stars above, "before meeting you, my past experiences with dating weren't exactly pleasant."
Percy's brow furrowed with concern, and he gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "What happened?" he asked gently.
Mitsuri sighed, a hint of sadness in her voice. "People used to judge me a lot," she admitted, "because of my pink hair, my strength, and my love for food. They thought I was too different, and it made me feel like I wasn't good enough for anyone. A man even gave up on marrying me because of these reasons."
Percy's heart ached for her, and he held her close, offering her the reassurance she deserved. "Mitsuri," he said earnestly, "you're perfect just the way you are. Your strength, your hair, your love for food—it's all a part of what makes you so amazing. Anyone who can't see that doesn't deserve to be with you."
Mitsuri's eyes glistened with tears of gratitude as she buried her face into Percy's chest, letting out a soft giggle. "It's funny," she said, her voice muffled, "this music playing now is the same one my mom used to sing when I was sad. But here I am, hearing it in such a happy moment with you."
Percy smiled, stroking her hair gently. "Well, maybe it's a sign that happier times are ahead for both of us," he replied, his heart soaring at the thought of sharing many more moments like this with her.
Feeling a surge of courage and affection, Percy stood up, extending his hand towards her. "Mitsuri, may I have this dance?" he asked, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
Mitsuri looked up at him, her face glowing with happiness, and took his hand. They moved to the center of the tranquil space, swaying slowly to the soft music that still resonated from afar. Mitsuri wrapped both arms around his neck, while his own arms circled her thin waist. She gently rested her head over his heart, hearing its rapid beating. Percy couldn't resist taking a whiff of her hair, marveling at its fragrance. With the gentle glow of lanterns above them, they danced together, lost in the intimate moment that seemed to freeze time.
As they danced, Percy felt a profound connection to Mitsuri, as if they were in perfect harmony with each other. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, their hearts beating in sync with the tender music.
In the stillness of that night, Percy knew that this moment would forever hold a special place in his heart. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the Moon Festival, for it had brought him closer to Mitsuri, igniting a spark between them that was now dancing in the moonlight.
As the night wore on, they continued to dance under the stars, wrapped in each other's arms, creating a memory that would be etched in their hearts forever. They had found something truly magical that night—a connection that transcended words, a dance that spoke volumes, and a love that blossomed amidst the glow of the moon. Looking at the starts in their gentle sway, Percy couldn't stop himself from thinking, "I don't think this is just a simple crush anymore. I think I am developing romantic feelings for you."
He didn't voice his thoughts, though, too embraced in the perfect moment both of them were living right now.
The train ride back home was a mixture of comfort and excitement for both Percy and Mitsuri. They found themselves sitting side by side, hands intertwined, their fingers gently laced together. The rhythmic sway of the train seemed to echo the rhythm of their hearts, beating in unison as they journeyed through the night.
Mitsuri rested her head on Percy's shoulder, finding solace in his presence. The gentle touch of her hair against his cheek sent a rush of warmth through him. He could feel her soft breaths against his neck, sending shivers down his spine.
As the train rumbled on, Mitsuri never once let go of his hand, her fingers entwined with his as if she never wanted to let him slip away. Percy's heart swelled with tenderness, knowing that they had forged a connection that ran deeper than words could express.
Their ride back was filled with unspoken words, but the silence between them felt comforting rather than awkward. It was as if they could communicate through glances and touches, understanding each other on a level that transcended mere conversation.
When they arrived at Mitsuri's house, they reluctantly prepared to say their goodbyes. As they stood in front of the door, Mitsuri hesitated, her eyes searching Percy's as if trying to find the right words.
"I had a great time tonight, Percy. Thank you," she said.
Before he could speak, Percy felt a gentle warmth on his cheek, and he looked down to see Mitsuri leaning in to kiss him softly on the cheek. His heart skipped a beat, and his cheeks flushed with a rosy hue from the presence of her soft lips.
She smiled shyly, her blush mirroring his own, and without another word, she turned and headed towards her home, leaving Percy standing there, slightly dazed.
As he slowly brought his hand to his cheek, feeling the lingering warmth of her kiss, he couldn't deny the truth that was now unmistakable. His feelings for Mitsuri had blossomed into something deeper and more profound than he had ever imagined.
In that quiet moment, Percy whispered to himself, "There's no denying it. I definitely have romantic feelings for Mitsuri."
The night had brought them together in ways they couldn't have foreseen, and as Percy stood there, his heart filled with hope and excitement for the future, he knew that this enchanting Moon Festival had forever changed his life.
