In Moments, mere moments...
~ Chapter fifteen ~
~ Late morning, just before a formal lunch reception ~ Oasis ~ The local shrine ~
Before Sakuya's eyes is Yuukina; a gorgeous bride. At her side stands Yuukina's equally dazzling groom, Sakuya's second eldest brother; Reiji.
On this day the two are celebrating the beginning of their new life as husband and wife.
That was the plan and before this... "Interloper" showed his face all was relatively smooth sailing.
The couple had just completed the "Sake-Sharing ceremony before the priest and Sakuya's gifted song to honor their union was well received.
Right now Sakuya suspects her dear friend "Yuuki" is quite grateful for the white "Wataboshi", a curved, wide hood-like veil, that protects most of her face from view by all but her new husband Reiji.
Sakuya doesn't blame her. It's not even her wedding yet she is pink in the face from the interruption of the ceremony by this uninvited man.
"I wish there was something I could do..."
Drawing her silken shawl like wrapping tighter around her arms and shoulders to better cover her sleeveless, (non-kimono) gown, Sakuya is uncertain.
But realistically what exactly can she do here? What contributions can she make, at least without making even more of a scene in the process?
After all, though the stranger wasn't formally invited, Sakuya understands that the rules of etiquette do state this Interloper has every right to be present... 'Arguably just as much as me and Shiro.'
"How do I turn this man away?' Sakuya thought, her mood nearing desperation.
' Wait- Should I even make a move too? Would that not make things all the worse?' Her thoughts conflicted, and Sakuya was again at a loss. The unexpected disruption to the day's celebration left her conflicted.
At long last Sakuya's greatest flaw, an inability to face adversity without preparation in advance has caught up to Oasis's Wellspring Maiden...
' I couldn't have begun to fathom- How do I remove "the Father of the groom"?'
"My father... Kyou Uzumaki" Sakuya murmured under her breath.
Trying but quickly failing to catch her indignant brother Shiro's eye, in the rising commotion it's all Sakuya can do to keep herself poised.
'I must keep calm, our guests are watching.'
~
~~
Before his eyes, the impossibly beautiful Sakuya sings.
From Madara's position with the other important guests, he is spared no detail of the splendid vision.
"In the eternally blue sky, wings new and old flap across the breeze."
"Gliding into the future, a new tomorrow. The key we'll surely find."
"Opening my heart I send our dreams far along the wind. They'll find a place of freedom. An endless embrace without despair.
I'll open any door, for you my beloved, I'll be at your side"
"Spread our invisible wings, the eternal blue sky dreams on"
After Sakuya's breezy, joyful song of love, the bride and groom have taken centerfold. Stating their vows before the priest and assembled priestesses
Although Madara enjoyed the performance, admittedly he found it a touch more subdued than he would have expected.
'I guess that's because today isn't about her.' He mused to himself. 'It was a gift FOR the bride and groom, not an opportunity to show off.'
' Yes, that makes sense, even more so since this is her brother's wedding. It would be the height of selfishness to turn focus upon herself.' satisfied with this reasoning, he met her silver eyes and nodded appreciatively.
Observing the following formal ceremony- the "Sankon No Gi" with polite interest, Madara remembers the purpose. The small cup represents their past. The medium sake cup is symbolic of the present, while the largest is the couple's future as a fully realized union.
' Fascinating. I suppose one day that will be me-' Cutting off such a distracting visualization, Madara's sensitive ears pick up hints of a disturbance.
"dare... -invited"
'What in the?' Adjusting his seating position with as much subtlety as possible, he strains to hear more.
~
With the dramatic "reunion" between a "Father" and three of his children in full swing, it's all Shiroyuki (White Zetsu) can do to keep "Reiji" (Black Zetsu) from lashing out.
Eita, his summoned Sand Cat stands alert, eager to sink his teeth into Kyou at Reiji's word.
"It's okay, relax yourself, brother.' Pushing these and many more soothing waves through their shared mental connection, an idea of how to proceed is already forming.
'I think I know EXACTLY how to proceed. The foundation is in place, and every "good story" can use a "villain." Let’s exploit it for everything our advantage is worth.”
“You leave this to me, just keep yourself firmly at Yuukina's side. You're already doing extremely well Reiji, just keep playing the part of a "rebellious second son".'
' I hope so Shiro, I trust your judgment but let the record show, I'd prefer we just kill him. Be done with the whole thing.'
' Nonsense Reiji, that would be a terrible look. Certainly not on your wedding day! Besides if we play "this" right, Kyou Uzumaki will be a valuable asset. We shouldn't waste this glorious opportunity.'
Shiro notes as his formally dressed brother wraps a protective arm around Yuukina- shielding his bride from the guest's potential threat.
In Reiji's other hand a, small but rapidly spiraling sphere of azure lightning. Ready and willing to be unleashed. Shiro steps forward. ' A perfect opening for my needs.'
'Thank you, Aika Uzumaki. For your stubborn heart and independent behavior, repeatedly and radically defying your expected "societal role" as Uzumaki matriarch… Once again that 'subversive' reputation of yours will serve my own and Mother’s purposes well.'
Shiro's immaculate face held no trace of guile.
~
"It's alright Rasa, I will take it from here," Shiro said coldly. The frost in his old friend's tone caught the already uncomfortable Rasa even more off guard.
"Are you sure? Negiro and the Security Corps can be here in a moment-"
"Don't worry about me, my friend. Lunch is just about ready, collect Ayame and the rest of our guests. We can transition this event to the manor. Don’t let a delicious meal like we have ready go to waste."
Although Shiro's inflection was somewhat warmer, the authority in his words left Rasa no room to protest. With a nod, the tan-skinned man began clearing their guests from the shrine.
Exactly as Shiro hoped, his affable demeanor and beautiful face perfectly concealed his vindictive intentions.
'Aika Uzumaki, had I known you would be such an ideal scapegoat, I might have left Mito alone... Nah.'
Dismissing that thought as quickly as it surfaced, Shiro remains irreverent.
'Let's not get ahead of ourselves, I might have been gentler... but Mito was always a threat. She had to go no matter what.'
As the potentially volatile drama unfolds about her, the strained Sakuya braces herself further. Sneaking a peak at the main altar, she prays desperately, ' Divines above, please don't let this disturbance escalate.'
' Please, please don't allow this blessed day to come to blows.'