Death

Chapter 8: Grievances and Anger

TW:

Yelling, Descriptions of sparring, Mentions of War

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Enjoy -Ghost

The New Year's banquet was the biggest event of the year in the Sohma family. Both members of the 'inside' and the 'outside' of the family participated in the festivities and of course the Zodiac's all gather around for the annual banquet.

Every year we all enjoy the feast in the banquet hall which is then followed by the dance with God, Death and the two Zodiacs of the old and new year.

This year Akito and I will dance Kisa and Momiji as the Year of the Tiger becomes the Year of the Rabbit.

As the evening's events grew ever closer, tensions began to rise. "No, there needs to be 14 seats in the circle, not 13! The crow sits next to God not opposite! Where are the Zodiac statues?! They were meant to be here half an hour ago!" Hitomi yelled as she ordered maids around the banquet hall.

I was adding the final additions to the shrine that commemorated all of the past Zodiac spirit holders. As I lit the incense, Hitomi continued to yell. "No, the Snake goes before the Horse! It's the Dragon, then the Snake and then the Horse! Honestly, how are you not aware of this!" Hitomi stormed around the hall. "And where are the Tatami cushions?!"

Annoyed by all the yelling and since I had finished with the shrine I called out to Hitomi. "I'll go get them Hitomi."

However, I doubt she heard me as she continued to order people around.

Sighing, I wander out of the banquet hall and into the quiet main house. I rubbed my forehead, already feeling a headache coming on. "Is it still that stressful, Hakumei?" A voice asked.

I smiled and looked up at the speaker. "Just like every year, Akito." I laugh.

Akito chuckled, "Hitomi really needs to take it down a notch."

I nod in agreement, "You seem like you're in a good mood, are you ready for tonight?" I ask.

Akito nodded, "Yeah, I'm excited to see Yuki again, it's been so long since I've seen him." She smiled softly.

"Yeah, he has grown a lot since the last time you've seen him." I told her.

"That's good," But then Akito sighed, "I guess we better get ready, they should start arriving soon."

I nod, "I'll see you at the banquet, Aki."

"See you then."

~:~

The yukata I wore did little to protect me from the cool Winter air as night arrived. I was standing outside the banquet hall, greeting people as they walk in but as the last couple of guests arrived the sun dropped making the air cold.

"Guten Abend, Mei mei!" Momiji called as he walked up to the banquet hall with Kisa by his side.

I smile at the pair. "Momiji! Kisa! It's so good to see you both. You look amazing!" I complement the two kids.

"Danke!" Momiji exclaimed.

"Thank you." Kisa all but whispered as she bowed.

The two children were wearing similar yukatas to myself and Akito for our dance. Akito's yukata was mainly white with gold trims and a gold pattern which opposed my almost pure black yukata minus its purple trim and pattern. This was made to express our roles of God and Death, while Kisa's and Momiji's yukatas were made to represent their animals. Kisa's yukata was yellow and with a black trim and light orange stripes to represent that of a tiger. Momiji's was yellow and orange similar to the yellow bunny he turns into, he also wore a hat with ears that were resemblant of a rabbit.