Counting the Stars [SasoDei Fanfic]

Omake: Obon

The still night echoed with the calming chirps of crickets. A warm summer breeze caressed the leaves as shadows danced on the forest floor. Moths darted in the pale moonlight, their wings giving a majestic flutter as they ascended towards the heavens. A large predatory silhouette spread its wings, engulfing all but a sliver of the celestial body hanging in the sky. A blood-curdling shriek sounded as an owl swooped down on its prey.

And all was quiet.

~~~

A twig snapped in the distance, disturbing the hazy peace of the late night. Two dark figures approached the edge of the woods at a comfortable pace. Neither spoke. Neither wavered. They drifted in their steps.

The taller one stepped into the clearing first. He pushed the hem of the cloak past his knee and fixed his sandals which had been worn from long use. The hand which readjusted the crude fabric was a delicate one, albeit strong and sturdy. His second finger was adorned with a teal coloured ring which had a character on it; its silver lining glimmered in the moonlight. The man let out a grunt of disapproval and let his foot fall back to the earth with a dull thud. At that moment, the second being presented itself. This one, in the same elegant fashion, exited the blanket of trees and tilted his head to gaze upon the full moon. The tassels on his straw hat rustled in a manner similar to that of the leaves behind him.

"It's fine night," the second man said thoughtfully, pronouncing every syllable with utmost care. Despite the raspiness of the voice, it had its own delicacy.

"I don't particularly care for these things, but the villagers seem to agree." The first man nodded towards the village which laid a kilometre or so off in the distance. Bright lights contrasted greatly with the still darkness of the late summer evening. It was a small village. Quaint.

Without another word, the two continued on their way towards civilization. Once they entered the outskirts of the town, the sound of drums and various other instruments filled their ears. The blond caught on and looked disapprovingly at his companion. "Maybe we shouldn't spend the night here, hm."

"Why say so now? After causing all the fuss a few hours ago?"

"Whatever."

They passed the first few houses and it all seemed quite peculiar to the shorter man. Dimly lit lanterns hung at uneven intervals down the wide main walkway of the old fashioned village. The man silently cringed at the inconsistency of the lights. They just weren't right.

Dirt on the ancient pathway muffled their footfalls as they headed towards the centre of the town. The music grew louder, the light brighter, and soon, sweet aromas filled their nostrils. The first man grinned while the latter had no apparent reaction. They continued forward.

After several minutes of unspoken tension, the pair reached the village square. The redhead raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What kind of celebration is this?"

The peculiar sight before him sparked his long-faded curiosity. Villagers lined the sides of the pathway to form a neat circle, much to the redhead's delight. Men, women, and children held lanterns and clapped to the beat of the drums that stood at the four cardinal directions. Dancers in white uniform kimonos with black embroidery graced the area with ease and beauty. It was a transfixing sight.

Lazy mocha eyes lit up with a fire that had long died out. They traced the steps of the dancers and followed their every movement. He analysed every swing, stomp, and turn. He was mesmerized.