Happy festival time

***

The grove was cast in shadows of the setting sun. The vibrant colors around us seemed to intensify in color and brightness, displaying wondrous interplays of light. Mixing with the last few rays, they became a harmonic, breathing painting. It was an experience to remember.
As the light fell off more, I could see small white animals around us, huddling closer as the darkness encroached. A hand next to me was busying petting and calming them. We knew they were not really afraid, but took t as a chance to get more attention.
I tried to do the same. At first, they shirked back slightly. Severals seconds later, they stepped forward again, sniffing at me, before gently pushing themselves into my palm. Once one had done it, the rest came up, snuggling into me all over.
“See, they take a liking to you too. I told you!” A young, cheerful voice told me. I turned to her, and nodded in reply, sharing the same bright smile. And thus, I was able to see my companion.
A young girl wearing easy to move in clothes for outdoor activity. With her long brown hair flowing down, part of it framed her gentle face. But sure enough, there were some stand out features. For one, she had two large fox ears on her head, that wiggled slightly. The other was the tail that excitedly swept back and forth behind her, sometimes visible on its path behind her back. They shared the same color as her hair, aside form the tail’s white tip.
Excitement overtook me. So much so, that the scene before me seemed to lose focus. As I lost me, so did it, and slowly faded away, leaving me to wake up.

***

At last, it was finally the day a lot of people had been looking forward to over the week: the shrine festival. Sure, we had had our fun, but in actuality, there was not much to do here in large groups. So an event like this really made things pop up for the locals. Even I felt a surge of excitement. Whether due to the festival, or finally getting further in my dream was unclear. I wanted to discuss it with the others, but knew they would be busy today with their side of things. So I kept it to myself, and would talk about it the next day, maybe after school. So, unable to release that thing, it just kept me giddy.

The same morning, I asked dad if he knew what the historical reason behind the festival was. Too my shame, despite working on it for several hours the previous day, I did not know its origins.
“There had been no specific event that let to its creation.” Was his answer. But, he didn’t stop there. “Rather, it was to keep unity.”
“Unity?” Now to me, that might hint at a different meaning.
“Yes.” He gave a solemn nod. “The shrine’s history is several hundred years old. In times of strive and uncertainty, it was seen as necessary to strengthen the bonds of the residents. Some had been displaced, and came here. Others had lost their family and tried to seek solace in the company of the other villagers. So, they decided to hold this festival annually.” He took a sip form his coffee. “While there were other festivals throughout the year, spring had been particularly empty, giving rise to its creation. And with the beginning of our modern golden week, it got shifted to its current date. The day was not was counted, but the thought behind it. And having ti at an holiday made it more accessible to the people.” And this was his explanation. “At least, that is what I had been told during work. But why the sudden question? Couldn’t you ask Miss Saitou?”
“Ah, well… No reason in particular. Just came to mind right now…” I recalled the stern warning I had received from Suzune before, to not act without knowing the meaning behind it. She would explain it to me, sure. But then also ask me vehemently why I didn’t inquire about it at an earlier day.
Still, it did give me a new insight. And I could see the story behind it: It was probably when a lot of youkai came into contact with humans. To make the new arrivals accepted, a festival was created. This would at least explain why there were so many preparing it. But one thing seemed off: If it was to come together, the idea of a separated festival was going against the original intention. ‘So I have to result to asking her anyway…’

“That’s enough of that.” Mom blew the previous serious mood started by dad away. “Today is a festival. It is all good and well to have an interest into tis past, but we should remain focused on what actually counts today: Having fun!”
I couldn’t help but smile at her exclamation. So, for now, I put these thoughts aside, and focused on the present. “You are right. It might make me taste the tasty breakfast less.”
“Now that would be troublesome.” She mimicked shock.
We all laughed a bit. ‘This is how it is supposed to be.’
With improved mood, our meal ended soon. Mom and dad told me they would head out to talk with neighbors for a bit, which left me to my own devices. I thought about what to do, but ended up drawing blanks: Meeting up with the others was planned for early afternoon, when things would start for real at the festival. I could head to the festival early, but it felt off, since it would mean I head there before the others have a chance to show me everything. And they seemed really enthusiastic about it, so I chose not to steal a peek.
I laid on my bed while thinking it through. Following my parents… was off the table. They probably went together to give me some alone time. It would be nice if my phone were to miraculously ring right now, but that would be too much of a chance, right?

I waited a few minutes but it didn’t happen, during which my thoughts circled around the dream. So, with a sigh, I got up and decided on a course of action: I was going to take a walk! Not the most glorious thing, but better than just lazing around. Not only that, moving my body might help in sorting and organizing my thoughts. And hey, maybe I might run into someone. The weather report this morning had said it would be sunny, but it never hurt to check yourself. So, before heading out, I chose to take a look out the window and check for clouds. Which was when I turned to it, I noticed a cloud hanging directly on the glass pane.
‘…What?’ A few seconds passed, and I realized it was no cloud, but a small white fox. Thinking it came to give me a message, I moved to the window to let it in. But upon seeing me approach it, it ran. Rather, it dropped of the ledge it had been perched on. I jumped up and quickly opened the window, to check up on it. But it was fine. I saw it running through the garden, into a shrub to hide from sight. ‘If it wasn’t here to give me a message, and shows this behavior… Am I being put under surveillance?’
While it looked like the only option to me, I didn’t want to jump the gun. Perhaps there was something I didn’t know, that explained the situation. I scanned the outside to see if there was anything else noteworthy. …Nothing. Perhaps I was just- Ding dong.
The bell of the front door rang out. … The timing was too good to be a coincidence. Gulping nervously, I walked out of my room, down the stairs, and stood in front of the door. Preparing myself for whatever was to come, I slowly opened it…
Darkness.

Right on time, I arrived at the foot of the stairs. Barely in time, as I had somehow lost my feeling for it, and left home later than planed. So, once more, I was last to our meet-up.
“Sorry.” But, instead of repeating our play from the first day, I was directly excused.
“Don’t worry, we were just early.” All of them wore smiles. ‘They must really look forward to it.’ “Now, let’s get going!”
““““Yeah!”””” Pumping our first up, and letting out a roar, we went up the stairs. I glanced at everyone. While Sugimoto and Tanaka stepped upwards, I could see Ono keeping an eye on Suzuki, same as me. After what had happened on Tuesday, we were still a bit in concern regarding his health. While he assured us everything was fine, it never hurt to be careful with these things. But, as he didn’t want to impose on anyone, Ono and I had formed a secret alliance, to discreetly make sure Suzuki was alright.
“By the way, no one in yukata?” I asked them.
“Yeah.” Sugimoto gave a single word reply.
Tanaka elaborated. “Not for this one. Usually, we wear them during the summer festival though.”
“Heh.”
“If you want, we can organize one for you.”
“Thank you, but no need. I should have one around somewhere at home. Probably still packed away somewhere since I haven’t used it since now. What about you Suzuki?”
“Hm? Ah, I’m fine. Same as you, I should have an old one too.”
“Is that so?” Tanaka asked us. “If you ever want new ones, just tell me. I can point you to a seamstress.”
“And for us normal people.” Ono let his voice rise a bit. “I can show you shops with good quality and reasonable prices.” Our conversation carried on for a bit, until we reached the top of the stairs.

Along the main path, tents lined both sides. It was food stalls and some vendors. Looking in between them — and from seeing part of the building the day before — I knew there were a few more strewn across the grounds. But a few places were left empty, designated as seating and resting areas.
Not many people were here yet, and that was you aim: First, get an overview of what had been prepared for this year. Then, everyone would chose places they really wanted to go to. After that, we would then make our way around. Coming early was necessary for this. I had been assured by the others that at least half the town would show up. Getting a complete overview at that point would be almost impossible.
Once we neared the end of the main path, I could see a free space between the tents, that seemed to lead into the woods. No one else paid any attention to it. ‘Maybe I will check out over there later too.’ We were about to curve away to a resting place to discuss our plans, when someone called out to us. “Before getting all fired up for the festival, how about a prayer?”
I turned over, and saw Saitou looking at me. More like glaring. But, to my surprise, our three guides acted completely normal. ‘Did they not hear the scornful undertone?’
Without much else, they bowed to her, and went to the main altar, offering a few coins before praying. With them distracted, I quickly scooped closer to her. “You sure you should be talking like that with others?”
“Yes, since they see me as a serene shrine maiden.” ‘What about that was serene?’ But then it hit me.
“Are you using magic?”
“Naturally. And now move away.” She gave me a light shove. “Others do not know about it.” She let her eyes flicker away for a second. “And give that other kid a sufficient explanation.” With that, she walked away.
The other kid had to be Suzuki. I turned to me, and saw him looking a bit confused. As the other three finished, I took him with me, and whispered to him quickly. “That’s part of what I will explain another time, so please,-”
“I got it.” Flashing me a reassuring smile, both of us pretended that nothing had happened, and took our turn.

Once done, we continued with the original plan, and sat down for a discussion. Sugimoto started the conversation, with a surprisingly serious expression. “So… who else thinks that shrine maiden was a real cutie?” ‘…I should have known.’ Everyone gave him exasperated looks. “Come on! I can’t be the only one who thinks that.”
“Well,” Ono crossed his arms. “if you want to know more about her, why not ask Yamazaki?” He gave me a sly smile.
“You know her?!” Sugimoto shot over to me.
‘How did he…?' It didn’t matter. Somehow Ono had found out, someway, that I knew her. Some rumor somewhere. He would always catch them all.
So, since lying wasn’t really an option I wanted to rely on, I opted for the truth. “Yes, I know her.” Sugimoto started fuming, but I ignored him. “But if you know that much, you also know how that came to be. Right?” I shot back at Ono.
Sadly, I was no match for him at these mental games. “Sadly, I do not. There is only so much I can find out, after all.” He gave a shrug. I knew he was lying, but had no proof. He wanted to hear it from me. ‘A convenient way to find out if your source is truthful.’
But I had no intention of resisting. Since this time, I had a legitimate answer. “You know the company that helped with the organizing and planning? My dad works there, and had been put in charge. So, through him, I got to know her.”
“At a café?” Sugimoto, who had relaxed by now, tensed up again. Ono liked stocking the fire. I was pretty sure he didn’t do it with malicious intent, but to have fun and see someone riled up. While some might think of it as bad taste, I knew that he would draw a line somewhere as to not overdo it. Otherwise, I couldn’t imagine why the straight-laced Tanaka and the emotionally fickle Sugimoto would stay around him.
“Yes, although it was more of a coincidence. I went there with my mother, for a trip out. Suzune had.”
“Suzune?! So you are on first name basis?” He burst out.
Mentally hitting myself for that detail, I resumed. “The shrine maiden had selected the same café as a meeting place to discuss further plans by coincidence. Then, my parents saw each-other, one thing led to another… So, happy?” I turned to Ono.
But he still wore a smirk. “Perhaps. But I remember hearing something else. That she is also the friend of a certain someone we talked about previously…”

It was obvious he wanted to continue, but was stopped by a new participant of our talk.
“Excuse me, but this is a resting area. I am sure you are quite excited for the festival, but please keep in mind that some will come here to recuperate. So please, keep your volume in mind while you are away from the stalls.” Suzune stepped up out of nowhere.
As no one had noticed her approach, we all fell silent. Though, I could hear a question coming from her. “Need helping removing them?”
I quickly shook my head. “Sorry for the disturbance. And thank you for the reminder.” My smile was hopefully indication enough. But now that she was here, Ono might- No, he wouldn’t. I took a glance at him. The thought to ask her had probably occurred to him too, but he didn’t. Her aura told him all: asking her for anything would backfire.
Without anyone else saying anything, she nodded to me, and moved away. Once she was out of sight, Tanaka rapped both Sugimoto and Ono on the head. It made a loud sound, which suggested it was painful. “You two, that’s enough of that for today.” He probably wanted to say it louder, but held himself back after we had just received a warning.
““Understood.”” Both agreed. Not because they had lost interested, but because they knew it was the end of the line for today. So, at least I had a night to prepare a defensive strategy.

Any of that would soon be forgotten, as we went back to our original goal. The discussion passed by quickly. And quietly. Thereafter, with our battle plan complete, it was time for the offense. In retrospect, it felt more like a slide show than anything else, with the way we hurried through the attractions.
Eating yakisoba, takoyaki, kakikoori, karaage, and some more. Shooting games, throwing hoops, scooping fish, picking at candy, and even more. We tried to complete it all like running a checklist, it seemed to blur into each other. Playing and partying to our hearts content. After we were nearly done, I got asked. “So, what do you think of it?”
“Well… I’ll be honest. It is fun, yes, but seems a bit small. I know, we are in a town. But after seeing places like Asakusa, even at regular days, the scale changes a bit…” Seeing downed faces, I quickly added. “But it isn’t all bad. With fewer people, it seems more… home-y? How should I say? Instead of everyone around you being strangers, where you tend to feel alone, it actually feels like a community has come together. Where you are surrounded by friends. I really like that.”
“Then is good.” Three smiles looked at me. Turning next to me, I saw Suzuki a bit exhausted. He had been like this for a while. But not due to anything bad, he had simply played around a lot.
“Alright, what do we do now?” Sugimoto slammed fist into his palm. That guy was still full of energy.
“For now, I suggest we take a short rest.” Ono, who had no trace left from our previous bout, gave his idea. “If we do not take a moment, I think one of us might accidentally end up spilling the food they already ate. Not only that, some of us might need to hit the restroom.” A shaky smile on his lips hinted that he was talking about himself.
“That might be for the best.” Tanaka gave his agreement. Suzuki’s answer was obvious. It was already a three to two majority, but I added “Seems good to me.”, making it four to one.
Not that Sugimoto had opposed the idea. “Alright, got it. Then, I will scour for a place with Suzuki. Kiyoshi, Yamazaki, mind fetching drinks for us?”
“No problem Hiroshi. Let’s go.” Tanaka looked at me. We parted ways, with Ono running off. A few steps later, I whispered to my companion. “Sorry, but, I have to head somewhere.” He regarded me with surprise, then concern. “Ah, no, I’m fine. It’s just… after Ono had mentioned the bath, I kind off felt something, so…”
“Got it. But why-”
“I might take a while, sorry.” I gave an excuse why I hadn’t mentioned it before.
Understanding that it might be embarrassing to mention it before everyone, he gave me an acknowledging nod. “Got it.”
Shortly before hurrying away, I gave quick parting words. “If I take too long, go on ahead without me. I will find and catch up to you soon after.” And thus, I had managed my excuse. Passing through the crowd, I made my way to the empty space in the line of stalls.

Hadn’t there been something about not relying on lying? Well… let’s just say you had to be flexible in life. And magic was always bound with excuses anyway…