Pomp and Circumstance

For quite some time now, I’ve been plagued by the same recurring nightmare. This all first started at the end of the week that I began living with Minato. Every night since, without fail. I’ll find myself dreaming of the night that I decided enough was enough. The night where I attempted to escape from the kingdom; the night of my wedding. I remember how I looked that night. I recall being adorned in a dress that had been carefully crafted by our finest seamstress out of banana leaves. I remember how she’d tell me that my mother would have been proud of me had she still been alive. How her heart would be overflowing with love from being able to see her beautiful daughter finally getting married to the love of her life. But what I was experiencing wasn’t love. It was far from it actually. What I was experiencing was fear.

It’s three in the afternoon. At least, that’s the time that has been frozen on the store's grandfather clock since the start of summer. The store had closed down earlier in the day due to everybody preparing for the festival. Sakura is no different from them, and she has been politely seated on a stool for what to her has felt like hours now, when in reality a meager thirty minutes have passed.

I’m honestly a little impatient, I mean, how couldn’t I be? She thinks to herself, referring to the fact that despite knowing that it’s out of order, her gaze has been constantly finding its way back to the grandfather clock. No doubt due to her hoping that it’d somehow spring back to life.

Tonight’s my first ever festival, and I’m worried that I might end up being late. The group let me know that they’d send somebody to pick me up at a certain time, but didn’t let me know who. It’s a bit scary, but I’ve gotta deal with it. I just hope that Minato’s grandmother is finished doing my hair by the time they arrive. I’d hate to miss the festivities.

Trusting Misses Haru to hold such sharp utensils so closely to my head, may have been the biggest gamble that I could make. She thinks to herself, feeling as the cold steel of the scissors glides across her head. But it’s still a gamble that I’m glad to have made. It has been so long since I’ve had my hair styled like this, that I’ve honestly forgotten what it’s like.

When I mentioned to her that I was in need of a new hairstyle for the festival, the look of determination in her eyes was unrivaled. Before I even had a chance to ask her, she volunteered her help. I’ve never seen somebody so gung-ho about doing anything, so I felt as though it’d be wrong of me to just refuse her offer.

With each snip, her elder’s hands tremble more and more, careful not to let go of the scissors. Yet Sakura doesn’t flinch.

Haru gently pulls the hair from Sakura’s bangs to the left side of her face, and with a single snip, the girl’s field of vision becomes less obscured. Sakura’s gaze immediately falls on the display window.

It’s so beautiful tonight. She thinks to herself, carefully watching as passersby dressed from head to toe in traditional festival wear walk the streets.

They must all be going to the festival as well! I almost can’t believe that in less than two hours, I’m going to be able to experience my first one!

A small child stops in front of the glass, kneeling to pick up his fallen sparkler. Upon seeing this, Sakura’s eyes glimmer with curiosity.

That must be one of the ‘firework’ things that Minato mentioned. I remember that we had something similar to this in our kingdom, but father would always refuse to let me anywhere near them. Vowing to rid them all from the village to eliminate any chance of me getting hurt.

Sakura sighs.

No matter how much I grew, I was always still a child in his eyes.

The young boy’s eyes are illuminated by the flames. As his innocent gaze meets Sakura’s, she begins to see a bit of herself in the child. Picturing an alternate version of her younger self; one that is free.

A young couple appearing to be the child’s parents come into view. The mother kneels down with a worried expression on her face. Though Sakura is unable to hear their conversation, she can infer that the mother is glad that she found him.

Seeing such a happy family dynamic, Sakura’s breathing gets heavier. Placing a hand on her chest, she can’t help but begin to crave such a bond.

Maybe tonight should be the night that I tell Minato how I feel…

Snip!

With one last click of the scissors, her session is finished. “Looks like we’re done! I must say, you look absolutely gorgeous!” Haru states, setting the scissors down.

After what felt like hours, Sakura’s long hair has been beautifully transformed into a short blunt. Haru had made sure to cut the sides at an angle so that her fringe parts on the left of her forehead.

Turning to face the mirror, Sakura’s face blushes a bright red. I’m so pretty! She exclaims, patting her face gently with her hands in an attempt to verify that her reflection isn’t some imposter.

She can hardly contain herself, and wants to scream about how good she looks, how she can barely even recognize herself, but she quickly looks down at her hands, and begins to nervously fidget with the brim of her obi belt.

“T-thank you Misses Haru. I genuinely appreciate you doing this for me.” She stammers.

“There’s really no need to thank me dear. I’m just glad that we finally got a chance to bond after all this time.”

The way that Haru smiles at her offers a strange warmness that Sakura isn’t used to. She feels safe in Haru’s company. Safe enough to relax her shoulders and ask the important questions. Questions such as;

“Are you sure that Minato’s going to like this new look?”

She asks confidently, smiling widely at Haru, awaiting her response. Her smile quickly fades upon hearing the elder’s abrupt change in tone.

“So you asked me to style your hair so you can make a pass at my grandson, huh?!”

Haru raises her voice, startling Sakura.

“Wait no! It’s not like that at all! I’m just trying to make sure that I look presentable!” Flustered, Sakura waves her hands frantically. “I mean sure I like him, but not like that! I just want to know what he’ll think! I promise!”

Her desperate attempts at explaining things are only silenced by Haru’s relaxed response.

“I’m sure that he’ll love it, dear. You shouldn’t get so worked up though. I figured what you were up to, so that’s why I offered to do your hair in the first place.”

Are you telling me that she knew this whole time?!

Hearing this, the embarrassment that Sakura is feeling is comparable to her soul physically sinking to her feet.

“You really haven’t been hiding the fact that you two have feelings for each other you know? Hell, I think the only ones who don’t know at this point are the both of you. If you needed advice on how to make a move, I just wish you would have come to me sooner.”

Haru smiles, gently placing her hands on Sakura's shoulders in an attempt to comfort her.

“If there’s anything that I know about my grandson, it’s that he’s a massive simp for tomboyish girls with short hair.”

She responds, scratching the back of her head.

“At least that’s what I can assume based on all of those weird figurines he’s been stockpiling over the years.”

Eager to hear more, Sakura sits back, twirling her hair in between her fingers.

Could she be right? Could Minato actually have feelings for me? I hadn't even considered that to be a possibility until now. He’s usually so cold.

A loud burst of energy fills the skies with the night's first round of color, breaking Sakura’s train of thought. Her awestruck eyes watch as a multitude of color imbues the sky.

“Happens every year without fail. There’s always that one punk that starts earlier than everyone else.”

Haru smirks, moving closer to the door to get a better look.

“Regardless, of what happens tonight between you and my Grandson. I want you to know that you’re always welcome here. So don’t go getting cold feet if it doesn’t turn out the way you expect.”

Haru opens the door to the shop halfway, but is stopped by a concerned Sakura. “Wait, where are you going? Minato said that you still aren’t in a good enough condition to leave just yet!”

“Yeah, he did. But that grandson of mine has always had the tendency to worry too much. He’s a good kid, but he always puts the worries of others before his own. It’s that kind of selflessness that has been his biggest weakness while also being his greatest strength. People like that are hard to come by these days.”

The distant sound of revving motors gradually getting closer, catches Haru’s attention. Spinning her eyes to face north, the old woman belts out a hearty laugh.

“Heh, looks like your ride finally showed up. Perfect timing too, I was afraid I'd be late for my date with a certain doctor.” She smiles, and as if on cue, the dimly lit store is illuminated by a row of headlights.

Partially blinded by the display, Sakura is only able to make out the silhouette of a man stepping off of his bike.

“Who the hell is that!?”

Sakura pleads to Haru, throwing her arms in front of her face in an attempt to shield her eyes. Making his way to the display window, the man begins to softly pound his palm into the glass.

“Rise and shine, princess! The cavalry has arrived!”

He didn’t even need to remove his helmet for her to recognize him. That loud boisterous voice was enough. The person standing before her, surrounded by an indeterminable number of delinquents awaiting instruction, and dressed from head to toe in fake leather is none other than the impromptu head of the school himself, Seiya Suzuki.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Skrrt.

The sound of rubber scraping across pavement signified their arrival. The group had to rush just to make it in time, arriving with only thirty minutes to spare before the fireworks show. The whole ride to the festival, Sakura’s mind raced with anticipation, excited for what she will see, worried about how Minato will view her.

“Alright, kid, we’re here. Consider my debt to you paid, so I don’t wanna hear more from this shit going forward alright? Now go ahead and scram.”

Seiya averts his gaze from Sakura, gesturing with his hand for her to just leave. Though his behavior doesn’t suggest it, he’s actually happy, and under his helmet is the only place where he doesn’t need to hide his smile. Due to his reputation, he couldn’t go making himself seem too friendly. Especially now considering that his whole gang is watching their interaction. Hopping off of the bike, Sakura bows to Seiya.

“I genuinely appreciate you doing this for me. No matter what. I want you to know that I won’t be forgetting about this.”

“Yeah, whatever. Just go and find your friends already, kid.” She nods and runs into the crowd. Seiya, happy that he’s done his part, nods and drives away.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

The venue is practically packed to the brim. Stalls on every side of her call out for her to explore them. She has little to no time to be tempted by the games, or the intense fragrances of foods that she hadn’t even contemplated the existence of until tonight. She is on a mission to find Minato and tell him how she feels during the firework show.

“Hey Sakura, when did you get here?! Come hang out with us!”

A familiar voice calls out to her from one of the stalls, immediately catching her attention. Turning to face the origin of the noise, she is shocked to see that it is none other than Minato’s best friends, Kenta and Shin. The two are seated in a gun shooting stall. Shin happily waves to her, gesturing for her to come closer.

“Holy shit, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight! What are you doing all alone? I would have figured you’d be with Minato by now.”

Shin asks, with a confused expression.

“Yeah, you two are usually inseparable. Something going on between you two or something?”

Kenta sets down his rifle, and sits up to better listen to her.

“I’m actually looking for him right now. I arrived not too long ago and you guys are the first of the group that I’ve found. And even then, it’s due to sheer luck.”

“You guys wouldn’t happen to know where Minato is by chance, would you? There’s something really important that I have to tell him.”

Kenta rubs his chin, losing himself in thought.

“He and Sayori went to the pier not too long ago. They said something about wanting to see the fireworks together or something.”

Hearing this makes Sakura’s heart sink, and a strange yellow glow begins to emit from the pendant on her necklace.

“What’s the quickest way I can make it there!?”

The sudden change in her voice is enough for Kenta to immediately realize what’s going on.

“I see…”

Extending his arm, he points to the east and coldly states.

“If you’re planning on making it in time, you better hurry. The fireworks start in less than five minutes.”

Without another word, Sakura begins to run in the direction he pointed.

“What the hell is up with her tonight?”

Shin asks Kenta, nudging him in the ribcage. His eyes widen upon seeing that out from the corners of Kenta’s sunglasses, a tear is beginning to stream down his face. Retaining that same cold expression, Kenta calmly states.

“Our little plant girl’s in love.”

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

“I’m honestly kind of shocked that Sakura hasn’t made it yet. She seemed really excited to watch the fireworks, so this feels out of character for her. There’s only two minutes left until the show starts. Do you think she’s alright?”

Minato asks, looking to the sky, patiently awaiting the arrival of both the fireworks, and Sakura, while being unbothered by the fact that Sayori has covered his hand with her own.

“Yeah….”

Sayori states weakly, looking down at her feet.

“I don’t think you should be worrying about her anymore, though.”

Silence falls between the two for a couple seconds, the only ambiance being the far away cheering of people participating in games, and the sound of the waves crashing against the pier.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Minato asks, finally turning his attention to her.

A soft hissing sound echoes throughout the area as the first firework propels its way into the night sky. Not wanting to waste her opportunity, Sayori grabs hold of Minato by the collar, surprising him.

“Wait, what are you-”

Before he can react, the sky is imbued by an assortment of different colors, exploding rapidly into a beautiful pattern. And Sayori steals a kiss. An intense cracking noise coming from the start of the pier catching their attention. They turn to see the shards of a glowing yellow seed lying on the ground before Sakura.

Minato quickly stands, pushes Sayori away from him, and slowly attempts to move closer to Sakura.

“Oh hey Sakura! We’ve been looking for you all night! Where have you been?”

Yet, with every step closer he gets to her, Sakura moves another step back.

Sakura’s fears have been realized, and tears begin to stream down her face. She wasn’t used to feeling this kind of sadness, the sadness that can only come from having one’s heart broken, and she hated it. Everything inside of her is telling her to just leave. So she gives Minato one final look, buries her face in her sleeves, and runs away from the pier.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

It took her a little over an hour to make it back to the shop on foot, due to the low amount of traffic. Sakura wanted nothing more than to hide away in the shop until all of it was over. To just forget about tonight, to forget about Minato, and to just be alone for now.

As she opens the door to the shop, she expects to be greeted by an insult from ‘Nectar’, the Venus fly trap that she’s put in charge of watching the shop whenever she steps out, but instead, she’s met only by silence.

“No jokes today? I would have figured that you of all things would have the most to say.”

She asks, shocked to see that the plant has been pinned to its display by a series of strange golden chains. She’s seen this before, but before she has any chance to remember where, those same chains burst from the floor, ensnaring her body.

“Gyahhh!”

She quickly tries to break free, but finds that her strength has been siphoned from her.

A discordant laughter fills the shop, sounding as if it could come from any of its dark corners. A look of terror forms across Sakura’s face as a white kitsune mask enshrouded by a crimson red cloak pierces its way through the darkness of the store’s backroom.

It can’t be. She thinks to herself, remembering how her recurring dream would involve this same entity, always ending right before she can unmask it.

“Bravo. I didn’t even think that you’d make it this easy for me.”

“Who are you! When I get free from this, I’m going to kill you!” Sakura screams, desperately attempting to shake herself loose from her shackles.

“Kill me? Please, you had the chance before and you wasted it. You won’t get a do over this time. Do you know how long I have been watching… Waiting for you to finally show yourself?”

In the blink of an eye, the entity glides across the floor toward her, and grips her face tightly.

“You see. You just don’t understand yet. So allow me to help.”

With its free hand, the entity snaps. Sakura’s eyes widen, and she is rendered speechless upon seeing the person underneath the mask. Those violet eyes… That long flowing green hair. They belong to none other than the person she believed to be Ryonosuke Akuji.

“But how? This just doesn’t make any sense?!”

Sakura stammers out as the chains dissipate, harshly dropping her to the ground.

“Easily. Do you really think you’re the only one capable of waiting?”

He states, pulling out a seed like pendant identical to her own.

“After you ran out on our wedding, I swore to your father that I would find you and return you back to your home. To marry you and become the new heir to the throne. But things didn’t work out that way, did they? Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find you in time.”

He states, referring to the time where he hunted her down. How she barely managed to escape from his grasps.

“So I figured that if I couldn’t marry into power, that power was something that I’d take. So I slaughtered everything. Your family, the villagers that you loved to help so much... But you shouldn’t be too sad. I did save that knight you cared about so much for last.”

“You bastard!”

Sakura struggles to bring herself to her knees. Popping her wrists, she attempts to summon forth her blades to fight him off, but a ripple of energy stops her the moment she tries.

She screams out in pain, and Ryo can only look down in disappointment and disgust.

“You know. It’s this kind of fighting spirit that brought me to you in the first place. It’s a pity that you’ve fallen so far.”

He smiles wildly, thrusting his foot into Sakura’s gut. Her face puffs up as she begins to gag for air. “Rest assured, my dearest Sakura.” Snapping his fingers, he creates a small wisp of fire.

“After I kill you, I’ll make sure that your friends follow behind, so none of you are lonely in your next life. Oh, and about that boy? What was his name… Minato right?” His grin grows wider. “I’ll make sure to save him for last-”

The second he made that threat, something woke up deep within Sakura. Despite her injuries, every blood cell in her body was screaming, desperately encouraging her to take action. Pushing past the pain, vine-like blades violently tear themselves out of her arms and slide into the palms of her hands, coming together to form one long broadsword. Using the last bit of her energy, she lunges forward, plunging the blade into his chest. “What have you done!?” He chokes out, before collapsing.

As the two fall atop each other, the tiny wisp of flame begins to spread, rapidly setting the store ablaze.

Due to the spell wearing off, the chains around Nectar dissipate. Though groggy from its incapacitated state, it manages to stand up without much issue. “Ugh… What happened here? Who turned up the temperature?” Nectar’s shocked to see that the store is up in flames, and in the middle of the mess is Sakura, laying on the floor atop an empty red robe. Though it also initially tried to kill her, she’s given Nectar a new lease on life. A second chance that Nectar won’t take for granted. It tries to summon forth its giant form so that it can carry her to safety, but each time It does so, he finds himself being drained of more and more energy.

“Wait a second. That Minato kid is still at the festival! I’ve gotta let him know so he can help her before this place is completely engulfed in flames!” Not having enough strength in this form to open up the door, Nectar opts to launch itself out of the display window.