Here we are at chapter 28. It's time for fun at the festival. I do not own Code Vein. They belong to Bandai Namco. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 28. Enjoy. Have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Chapter 28: Festival Fun
The morning sunlight sneaks in through the windows of one room in the imperial palace. In that room, two figures sleep peacefully in each other's arms under the bed covers. Four fluffy fox tails poke out from the covers. Past them, Yukio watches, smiling, while Fuyumi slumbers. It had been some time since they last had the chance to spend some alone time together, and Yukio wanted to milk every minute of it. Not that Fuyumi was complaining. Yukio slides a finger through Fuyumi's white hair. The action causes the woman to stir before her eyes flutter open.
"Good morning, Fuyu-chan," Yukio greets her.
Fuyumi smiles back, "Good morning, Yukio,"
"You certainly slept well. Not surprising, considering our time last night. You certainly were full of energy, and when you weren't, you were out like a light," Yukio teases her.
Fuyumi blushes, "Well, it's hard not to go all out with a woman who's as beautiful and as experienced as you. I could hardly keep my hands off of you,"
"Oh, you say the nicest things to a lady, Fuyu-chan. You'll make me blush again," Yukio kisses her forehead.
"Well, as much as I'd like to sleep in, we should get up. We have a few things to take care of today," Fuyumi says as she starts to get up.
"Oh, no you don't," Yukio places her hands on Fuyumi's shoulder, halting her. "I'm sure we can stay here a little longer. There's certainly no rush," she looms over her.
"But what if-mmph," Fuyumi is silenced when Yukio kisses her.
Fuyumi quickly succumbs to Yukio's touch as the kitsune straddles her under the sheets. They end up staying in bed for a little while longer after that.
...
Everyone gathered together for breakfast, though it did begin a little late since Fuyumi and Yukio were the last to show up. Hikaru and Emilia give Fuyumi knowing glances while Yukio simply smiles. After all, Fuyumi will be with everyone during the day, but she'll get Fuyumi later in the evening for a special dinner date; just the two of them. Meanwhile, Veronica looked much better after being with Yuki the night prior.
"Yuki, did anything happen last night?" Hiei asks.
"Well, I helped Veronica. She hadn't had any physical contact with me and was running low on strength. So, that's why I spent the night with her," Yuki says with no shame at all.
Hiei nearly spits out her tea, "Yuki! Don't give anyone the wrong idea!"
"Oh, no need to be so embarrassed, Hiei. It's only natural that Yuki and I would become so close. Our souls are connected, remember," Veronica winks at her while sliding up next to Yuki.
"W-W-Well, I've been with her longer and I'm going to be her first wife," Hiei says, then looks away. "And I have her first time and her first kiss," she mutters.
"Correct on the first one, but not on the second one. I actually got her first kiss," Veronica retorts.
"Huh? Since when?!" Hiei asks.
"After the incident in the forest, when she was asleep. She would've remained asleep for longer than she did, but I helped her to wake up. I gave her a little potion to help her heal from the ordeal. She was asleep though, so... I gave it to her through my mouth," Veronica licks her lips.
"What?!" Hiei nearly shrieks.
"Ahem, could you perhaps not talk about our daughter's romantic escapades with you all right in front of us?" Emilia asks, giving them all a look.
"Sorry," Hiei and Veronica quickly bow their heads.
Fuyumi would normally say something about Yuki doing what she did before she got married, but she's not one to talk. How many times did she do it with all her lovers before their wedding day? Fuyumi has no room to talk about that stuff.
"Well, anyway, the festival will officially begin tomorrow. There will be a parade where Yukitsuki will make an appearance with Hiei and Hanazuki by her side to show the people their engagements. After that, you won't really have anymore official events to attend to except for a party that will be held at the imperial palace on the last night of the festival. The event will be a few days, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy yourselves," Hikaru explains.
"I can't wait to try all the tasty food," Yuki says.
"I happen to know a few good places here in the capital. I'll show you around the best places in town," Hana says.
"I know a few other stores in the area. We can make dates out of them," Hiei adds.
"Then I'll be coming along with you all," Veronica raises her hand.
"Just keep the public displays of affection to a minimum, okay. Wouldn't want anyone making nasty rumors about you or Yuki," Iris says.
"They will have plenty of other activities going on as well. The imperial family really went all out for this. Thanks for this, Hikaru," Anelia says.
Hikaru waves a hand, "Oh, it's not that big of a deal. Think of it as my idiot brother's way of making up for all the trouble he caused us. It's the least he can do,"
Fuyumi and her lovers stare flatly at her, "Was that before or after you beat him within an inch of his life?" Fuyumi asks.
"Oh, details, details. Let's just focus on all the fun we're going to have!" Hikaru swiftly dodges the question.
The rest of the day is spent dealing with preparations for the festival, including outfits for Yuki, Hana, and Hiei for the parade on the first day along with some rehearsals. It was a busy day for everyone, but it would all be worth it in the end.
...
The first day of the festival has finally arrived. Decorations and flower petals cover almost everything from the buildings to the streets themselves. All the people who live in the capital, and those who came from beyond, were excited for the event to begin. They were also excited to see Yukitsuki. The people knew of her and who her parents are, but most have yet to catch a glimpse of her. Word of her being engaged to two people spread and they wanted to see who the lucky men, or women, would be. People lined up the main streets leading from the imperial palace to catch sight of the imperial family members in droves. The energy in the air was infectious.
"Look, it's the Emperor and the Empress!" one person cheers, pointing ahead.
The parade comes in with the Emperor and his wife at the front. Thankfully, mages healed his injuries after he got thrashed around by Hikaru so the people wouldn't notice. They wear extravagant outfits for the occasion. Behind them are the former emperor and empress.
"Glory to the imperial family! Glory to the Dragon Alliance!" the people cheer, throwing flower petals into the air.
The members of the imperial family wave to them as they move by. As they do, Fuyumi and Hikaru are seen next. The cheers seem to get louder when they arrive. Well, Hikaru is beloved by her people and Fuyumi is the hero of the land. It's no wonder everyone loves them so much. Thankfully for Fuyumi's sake, they didn't make her wear anything too girly. Instead, Hikaru is wearing a lovely dress as she sits close next to Fuyumi. After they pass, the moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived. They spot Yukitsuki, wearing a beautiful white kimono with a silver jeweled headdress to match. On her left is Hiei, wearing the ceremonial outfit she had when they met King Mikhail. On Yuki's right sat Hanazuki, wearing a purple kimono top and a spider-themed necklace.
"It's Princess Yukitsuki! She's actually here!" one beastman shouts.
The people heard the princess would be making an appearance, but not everyone believed the rumors. But now, everyone knew them to be true. They also heard Yukitsuki would be making an appearance alongside those she intended to marry. They saw Hiei and Hana and thoughts started flying everywhere.
"Are those two girls the princess's prospective marriage partners? Which one is she going to marry? Who are they?!" one human girl wonders.
"No way, she's marrying other women?! Is she following in her mother's footsteps? There goes my chance to woo the princess!" a random soldier laments.
"Dude, like she would've gone for you even if she did prefer men," his buddy jokes.
"Is she planning on marry both of them. Princess Fuyumi does have multiple wives after all?" an older woman wonders.
"Princess Yukitsuki truly is a snow princess! She's so beautiful!" a young woman squeals.
The crowd cheers as Yukitsuki goes by with Hiei and Hana at her side. Yuki smiles at seeing everyone celebrating her engagement to Hiei and Hana. With this, no one will dare challenge her betrothals anymore. At least now she can relax. After the parade was over, Yuki's group were free for the rest of the day and the day after to enjoy themselves. They each went off in their own directions for their own forms of fun. Anelia and Iris went off to check out the local stores on weapons and magic items. Meanwhile, Emilia and Yukio did some clothes shopping. Hikaru and Fuyumi went off somewhere where to two could be alone. They haven't had that chance in a while. That left Yuki, Hana, Hiei, and Veronica to go on their own.
Their first stop were all the stalls on the road selling food, trinkets, and anything to catch the eyes of waiting customers. Hiei and Hana showed Yuki the best food in town, which she pleasantly enjoyed.
"The food here really is delicious. I should've come to the Dragon Alliance more often," Veronica notes, happily munching on some shrimp tempura.
"Indeed. It's nice trying the foods and delicacies from other countries. I want to try everything here," Yuki notes.
"Just try not to eat too much at once so you don't get sick, Yuki," Hiei sighs.
The four girls find a table in front of one stall here the cooks steam the food, then add on the spices and seasonings. It really made the flavors pop out. Though, some of it was pretty spicy, so Yuki couldn't eat too much of it. Hana and Hiei, on the other hand, ate it all without much issue. They grab some snacks to eat as they walk and look around for any little things that catch their eyes. Veronica was the first one, buying a pair of flower ornaments for her horns. When worn, it makes it look like her horns are jutting out of the center of the flowers.
"Come on, Yuki, let's find something for you to wear. I'll buy it as a gift," Veronica pulls Yuki along.
"Where did Veronica even get her money?" Hiei mutters.
"She's lived for centuries. I'm sure she found one way or another to stock up on cash. She couldn't exactly go out all the time after the war," Hana whispers.
"Good point," Hiei nods.
As they walk around, little kids run by the, stopping to say hi to the princess. A few give Yuki little gifts made of wood or paper. Nothing too special, but Yuki accepted them with grace and thanks. Hana created a silk bag with her webbing to hold all the little gifts together on her back. It seems she's already got fans here in the other country. Veronica comes back, holding something in her hand.
"Veronica, what's that?' Yuki asks.
Veronica is holding a blue hairpin in the shape of an intricate snowflake, "I told you I wanted to get you a gift. This thing practically called out to me. It said 'I'll be the perfect for your beloved'. So, what do you think?"
"Another winter-themed gift. How many does Yuki have now?" Hiei asks.
"I stopped counting a while back," Hana replies flatly.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to treasure it," Yuki accepts the gift, placing it into her hair.
"I knew it would look good on you. Come on, let's see what else we can find!" Veronica cheers before pulling Yuki along while Hiei and Hana follow close behind.
...
While the young women have their fun, Fuyumi and Hikaru are in another part of the city.
"It's been a while since we had some time to ourselves. You spend so much time in Anatolia that it feels like an eternity before you come back to visit me in my home. Not to mention all the missions the royal family had you doing recently," Hikaru says, arms wrapped around Fuyumi's and leaning her head on Fuyumi's shoulder.
Her tail wags happily behind her as she and Fuyumi enjoy their date. They stroll through the streets, watching as little children race by with toys in their hands.
"Watching them reminds me of when Yuki was little. She was much different back then," Hikaru thinks back.
"Indeed. Back then, she barely spoke a word, and was nowhere near as expressive back then as she is now. I think her new friends and lovers helped out with that. At least she wasn't a trouble maker back then. Though, I sometimes wondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing, given her condition," Fuyumi says.
"Hmm, have you wondered about that sometimes?" Hikaru asks.
Fuyumi looks at her, "Wondered about what?"
"Wondered what it would be like to have children of our own. Not like Yuki, but our very own. Don't get me wrong; I love Yukitsuki with all of my heart. She's our daughter and that will never change. I just wondered sometimes what it would be like to have children of our own. Have them look like us, watching them grow up and find someone to love of their own. It would certainly keep the old traditionalists off our backs," Hikaru clarifies.
"Hmm, I won't lie and say I haven't thought about it, but I wouldn't like the idea of someone making you or the others pregnant. I don't like the idea of men laying their hands on you," Fuyumi shakes the disgusting idea out of her head.
"Well, I agree with that. Forget about it. Let's enjoy the day together. You have your dinner date with Yukio later," Hikaru says, winking at her mate.
"You're right. It is a festival after all," Fuyumi replies.
Hikaru kisses her cheek before they continue down the road, enjoying the wonders of the festival. The rest of the day goes by wonderfully for everyone. As does the next. The last day of the festival includes fireworks and the party they were informed about beforehand. At the palace, the festivities only continue. A large room had been set for the party and all the important people of the Dragon Alliance were in attendance. At one end of the room, the members of the imperial family were all lined up, which included Fuyumi, Hikaru, Yuki, Hiei, and Hana. The rest of Yuki's family and Veronica were treated as special guests and sat adjacent to them. Servants brought out delicious assortments of food, the finest the Dragon Alliance has to offer.
As they dine on their meals, beautiful dancers perform in the center if the room while musicians play their instruments in the back. It made for a splendid experience.
"Enjoying yourself, Yuki?" Hiei asks.
Yuki nods, "Indeed. Very much so. Anatolia has its own share of festivals and special events, but they don't have the same mystique as the ones held in the Dragon Alliance. Maybe it's because I'm not around here that often,"
"If we were to get married, would you be willing to move here or stay in Anatolia, Yuki?" Hana asks.
"Oh, I'd move to here. I'm going to become YOUR wife, Hiei. So, it's only natural that I'd move to your home country. I'm sure my family will support my decision. There's no need to worry. Plus, with both you and Hana as my spouses, and both of you from the Dragon Alliance, it's practically a given," Yuki says.
"Then I'll be moving along with you!" Veronica cheers while drinking down some sake.
"Are you drunk already?" Hiei scrutinizes her.
"Of course not. You think I have the same stamina as a mere human. Puh-lease. I can drink with the best of them!" Veronica scoffs.
"Oh yeah, that sounds like a challenge," Hikaru jumps in with a big cup of sake in her hands. "Care to see who lasts longer?"
Veronica smirks back, "Oh, you're on. I'll show you what this princess can do,"
The two princesses end up in a drinking contest while the others watch with concern and exasperation. As the party continues, Yuki glances at Hana, who nods her head to the side, a sign that the two of them should leave for a spot with a little more peace and quiet. They sneak away from the others and walk outside, finding a spot in a garden under the moonlight.
"The past few days have certainly been exciting, haven't they," Hana notes.
"Indeed. Coming all this way for a little vacation. Dealing with the emperor who wanted to marry me off to total strangers. Watching you fight said strangers for my hand in marriage. Dealing with the aftermath. And then the festival. This wasn't what I had in mind when I came here for a 'peaceful' vacation," Yuki thinks back.
"Well, at least a few good things came out of it. I got to be engaged to you after all," Hana winks at her.
Yuki blushes, "Well, I suppose there is that. At least you don't see me as some prize," Yuki notes.
"Of course, you're far more valuable than some ornament to be owned and paraded around," Hana moves over, taking Yuki into her arms. "Still any regrets about being engaged to an arachne?"
Yuki shakes her head, "Never. I'm honored to be your fiance,"
Hana smiles and inclines Yuki's chin upwards. She leans in and the two kiss under the moonlight.
...
Meanwhile, at an unknown location, Jorus works on a magic circle with several magic stones placed around the outer and inner rings of said circle.
"I may have failed before and lost those idiot fools in the last battle, but I will not be denied my destiny," Jorus says, an evil smile on his face as the magic circle glows.
And that's the chapter. Yuki and her friends and family finally get to enjoy their vacation in the Dragon Alliance. But their ordeals are not yet over. Until then, please Read and Review.