The Mikawa flower festival has begun. Laughter of young children fills the atmosphere. The people from all over Inazuma gathered together this vivacious night to celebrate the bond between yokai and humans. Miko stood on the hill, beholding the scene from below. Her gaze was the sunlight, bringing warmth and brightness to the dark and cold crowd. The people were having fun, each with the word “happiness” written on their faces. Joy intoxicated the Inazuman air as people played games while eating delicacies. The night was truly splendid. After the nightmare problem had been solved, it lifted a heavy weight off of Miko’s shoulders, freeing her from the stress that chained her back. Yet something seemed to keep her mind uncalm. The feeling of remembering this thought made her uneasy. Thoughts of her and Mizuki back at the shrine slipped through the cracks of her mind. So less said yet so much more to say. Over 500 years have passed since they knew each other yet it seemed as if they were strangers. Her face faded into a displeased look. She surveyed the crowd in hopes of finding a certain someone. Someone who she longed to talk to again, and not to talk about her publishing houses’ success again. Her short teasing after the nightmare problem was solved was but a mere, casual chat. It didn’t mean anything. But she wanted their talks to mean something. The crowd lacked a certain teal-haired lady, which disappointed Miko.
“Looking for someone?” Asked a soothing voice. Her heels clicked against the ground, each step creating a soft beat that sounded like a clock ticking, acting as a countdown for Miko, a reminder of her seeking of Mizuki. “You’re not one to burst in, Ei. I wonder who you learned that from?” Miko smirked, and suddenly, her worries melted away. “From the best, of course, my dear Miko.” Ei continued. The silence between the two friends was thick, like a cloud that hung over them. “You’re still worried about something. What is it? I’d be happy to help you.”
“I-it’s nothing of your concern, Ei. Let’s just enjoy the view together, shall we?” Miko replied, trying to hide her anxiousness behind a cheerful tone.”
“Oh? What’s got this kitsune’s tongue in a twist? Do share with me your troubles, Miko. It will help you feel better.”
Miko did nothing but look back down at the festival. Everyone was enjoying their time. Kokomi and Gorou were busy explaining their game to people. Yoimiya was trying to wake Sayu up so they could hang out, but her attempts failed as Sayu was already fast asleep. Miko looked at Itto’s booth and saw Kuki pinching the bridge of her nose as the Arataki Gang performed a cheer for their game. The three bake-danuki that helped out in the festival were chasing each other enthusiastically.
Ei giggled. “It’s not everyday you see the cheeky kitsune quiet. You know, I did see Mizuki in the city. Maybe it’s best for you to talk to her again. Properly, this time.”
Miko’s eyes widened after hearing Ei’s words. How could she ever know what happened at the shrine? Then again, it is the Electro Archon she was thinking about. There’s no doubt Ei could’ve been watching all along.
“Thanks…Ei. I think it’s time I take my leave.”
And just like that, Miko slipped away from the festival, leaving behind only her warm presence in the cold night. Ei continued to gaze at the crowd below her. The Mikawa flower festival was a success. The bond of yokai and humans, something worth celebrating. Ei thought of all her friends, different species that ranged from humans to all sorts of yokai. A certain yokai that lingered in her mind—the oni, Mikoshi Chiyo. Her ally, her friend. Her only source of light in a dark void. If only that ending was evitable. She could still feel a fragment of Chiyo inside her heart. Hopefully it stays there forever.
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Miko would go anywhere but the city. She longed to talk to Mizuki again yet something prevented her from reaching out to her. She headed back to the shrine, stopping at the entrance to look out in the sky once more. She thought of Ei’s words again.
“…talk to her again. Properly, this time.”
The shrine was a magnet that pulled her towards it, preventing her from leaving. It was unusual for Miko to feel this attached to someone. She and Mizuki were two pieces of a puzzle. Two pieces that are carved to fit each other perfectly yet hold itself from snapping into place. Two pieces that are perfectly aligned together, yet still fear to stick together to form a perfect picture.
Miko looked back at the festival ground, despite it being distant, she could still see the noticeable lights. The people from far away looked like small stars in the universe, flickering and moving around. The sight was beautiful. It was unimaginably beautiful. Miko sighed and headed back to the festival. As awkward as it will be, seeing Ei again, she just wanted to forget everything and let go.
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Ei had disappeared from the hill. Everyone else was still lost in the games and food, leaving Miko behind with her thoughts. Maybe she should have seen Mizuki again. It was too late for that, now. Mizuki had probably gone home already. Miko’s legs tire from standing for so long, yet she remained, the festival mesmerising her. The wind blew through her hair and she closed her eyes to relax. Her hair danced with the breeze, performing the most elegant ballet ever. She opened her eyes again, basking herself in the moon’s light.
A faint rustle drifted from behind Miko. Shoes brushed against the grass as a figure emerged from the shadow. The figure approached Miko, yet kept a distance between them.
“Mizuki…” Miko started, not exactly sure what she wanted to say. She didn’t turn her head to look at the other, only staring at the festival beneath her.
Mizuki covered the lower part of her face with her fan. She averted her eyes away from Miko. “If you have something to say, then spill it.”
The awkwardness between the two overpowered the tranquility of the night. The kitsune parted her lips, only to remain silent.
“Miko, I feel like—”
“I meant what I said…the other day.” Miko interrupted.
“I know you do.”
The silence was deafening. Miko glanced at Mizuki, stunned at what she said.
“Mizuki…”
“Why haven’t you done anything, if you really did love me.”
“What?” Miko turned her head to face her, now confused. “What do you mean?”
Mizuki closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then opened her eyes again to look down at the festival. “300 years. That’s how long I waited for you,”
“Do you remember when we were younger?”
Miko shook her head.
“We were young and innocent. You used to beg me to transform into a human and go to town. You were so eager to hang out with me. I miss that version of you.”
“Mizuki, I never wanted to hurt you. I’ve been thinking a lot about what happened, and I’m sorry.
I’m sorry for causing you all that pain. I was young and foolish. I didn't realise it would affect you that much.”
Mizuki giggled softly, her smile a little playful as she looked at Miko. “You know,” she started, still chuckling. “I thought I’d be more upset about this. But it’s kind of funny. We both still like each other.” The tension in her eyes faded, as if the weight of the world was momentarily lifted. “I guess we’ve both been a bit dramatic, huh?” A sense of happiness loitered, as if the world around them has faded into a dream-like cloud realm, where everything feels serene and airy. Where they could stay forever, just the both of them.
“…you’re not mad?” Miko asked in confusion.
“No, I’m not. I can’t stay mad at you forever, Miko.”
Soon, the sky lit up with fireworks. The air came alive with sounds of crackling sparks as the fireworks cascaded one after another. The sky was filled with radiance that flowed with the music of the festival. The two stare in amazement as pictures display in the sky. The sky was a garden that bloomed with colours. Each petal of light exhibited a gorgeous scene for all to enjoy. Under the glow of the fireworks, the two yokai stood on the hill, captivated by the radiance. “You’re lucky I let you win the competition, you know,” Miko teased.
“Come on, I could’ve won easily even if you weren’t the host,” Mizuki shot back. There was a pause, both yokais too stubborn to admit that beneath their rivalry, hidden a bond that was deep.
Mizuki still stood behind Miko, maintaining her distance. The fireworks continued to shoot up, its blazing light enchanting everyone. “Come closer, you won’t wanna miss this, Mizuki.”
“Lady Guuji…” Mizuki hesitated, her fan still in her face, muffling most of her speech. Her footsteps towards the edge of the hill, where Miko stood, were soft and slow and it was another clock for Miko. Except this time, it was a calm, gentle, rhythmic tune that felt soothing. It created a peaceful atmosphere between the two rivals.
“Just because our dispute has temporarily ended, it doesn't mean I won’t still compete with you in sales.”
“Seriously, Miko?” Mizuki sighed, but then let out a relieved laugh. “Whatever, Aisa Bathhouse will beat your pathetic publishing house soon, just give it some time”
“You wish that would happen. Your bathhouse can never compare to my renowned business, good luck trying though, I’ll root for you when I die.”
“…oh Miko. As harsh as can ever be. Please don’t change again.”
“We’ll see.”