Bound by Fate - SaneGiyuu

Seven - The Fair

Saturday morning had arrived, and the three of them were finally on their way to the fair. It had been a chaotic two days leading up to this moment, with Shinobu and Giyuu practically on babysitting duty to ensure Kyojuro didn't accidentally cause a scene—or worse, reveal their true identities. Shinobu's frustration had reached its peak on Thursday when she had to pry Kyojuro away from Tengen, who had instantly bonded with the fiery angel over their shared love of excitement and adventure.

"Kyojuro, you promised to stay inside yesterday, remember?" Shinobu reminded him as they walked down the street, each of them gripping one of Kyojuro's arms to keep him from darting off in every direction.

"Yes, I did!" Kyojuro beamed, seemingly unfazed by the restrictions placed on him. "But today is a new day, and there are so many people to meet and things to see!"

"Let's not overwhelm the neighborhood, okay?" Shinobu chuckled, though she kept a firm hold on him. The thought of Kyojuro running off and getting into trouble—or worse, ending up in some unfortunate accident—made her stomach churn. She could only imagine the master's reaction if anything happened to his divine angel. Immortality in human form didn't mean invulnerability, after all. "Besides, you're here for a reason, remember?"

"Yes, of course! To help guide Sanemi and his friends toward the light!" Kyojuro declared, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of a passing couple with their dog. He flashed them a bright smile and waved enthusiastically. The dog barked in response, clearly excited by Kyojuro's energy.

Giyuu sighed, pulling Kyojuro back onto the sidewalk before he could get any closer to the dog. "We're just trying to make sure you don't get... distracted," he said, choosing his words carefully. The last thing he wanted was to come off as controlling, but Kyojuro's boundless energy was hard to manage. "And remember, we need to blend in while we're here."

Kyojuro nodded, though his eyes were still scanning the surroundings with intense curiosity. "Blend in, got it! But I have to say, this world is so full of life! It's invigorating!"

Shinobu couldn't help but smile at Kyojuro's enthusiasm, despite her earlier concerns. "We're glad you're enjoying it, Kyojuro," she said, softening her tone. "But the fair is our focus today, okay? Let's try to keep a low profile."

"Understood!" Kyojuro replied with a thumbs up, though his smile suggested he might have a hard time with the "low profile" part.

The fairgrounds were already buzzing with activity by the time they arrived. The scent of cotton candy and popcorn filled the air, mixing with the sounds of laughter, music, and the whirring of rides. Giyuu's expression remained neutral as he took it all in, his mind already drifting to thoughts of Sanemi. The opportunity to get closer to him was too important to pass up, even if it meant enduring the chaos of the fair.

Shinobu noticed Giyuu's focus shifting and leaned in slightly. "Remember, Giyuu, we're not just here to have fun," she reminded him in a low voice. "We have to stay alert, especially with Sanemi. We don't know exactly what choices he'll make, but whatever they are, they'll impact everyone around him."

Giyuu nodded, his gaze serious. "I know. That's why I need to gain his trust, make sure he knows I'm there for him."

As they navigated through the crowds, Kyojuro's eyes lit up at every stall and ride they passed. He greeted nearly everyone with a cheerful "Hello!" or "Good morning!" as if he had never seen so many people in one place before. Shinobu and Giyuu kept a close watch, occasionally exchanging looks that conveyed a mix of amusement and concern.

When they finally spotted Sanemi and the others near a cluster of food stalls, Giyuu's heart skipped a beat. There was Sanemi, looking as tough and unapproachable as ever, though he was engaged in conversation with Tengen, who was gesturing animatedly toward one of the rides. Mitsuri was laughing at something Obanai had said, and Gyomei stood nearby, calmly observing the bustling scene.